Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) increases the risk of serious arrhythmias and heart failure. The heart problems can be fatal and are more common in certain patient groups. The MEB therefore advises doctors to check patients’ heart function before and during treatment with Imbruvica. There are also new recommendations for adjusting the dose after heart problems. This is reported by the Medicines Evaluation Board.
Ibrutinib is used in adult patients with B-cell lymphoma, also known as lymphoma. Clinical studies show that Ibrutinib increases the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. The risk of fatal heart problems is greater in older people, patients with an ECOG performance status of 2 or higher, and patients with cardiovascular disease or at risk thereof. New measures should reduce the risk of these heart problems.
Advice to doctors
Before starting treatment with Imbruvica, the advice to doctors is to check whether the patient has had previous heart problems and to examine the patient’s heart functions. If a patient has an increased risk of heart problems, other treatment should be considered. Cardiac function should be monitored during treatment and the patient should be treated if cardiac function deteriorates. Treatment should be discontinued in case of symptomatic heart failure or severe heart rhythm abnormalities. Finally, doctors should use the new recommendations for dose adjustment when resuming treatment.
By: National Care Guide