Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM): Anyone on zanubrutinib (Brukinsa)?

Posted by teachpeace @teachpeace, Sep 29, 2024

My dad has had this diagnosis for years. He is 86 years old. He Was treated with “infusions” forever…idk the name of med. Recently however..a new oncologist prescribed zanubrutinib…2pills twice per day. I believe the highest dose but I could be wrong.
After 1.5 weeks my dad couldn’t tolerate the side effects any longer. He lost his appetite, a significant amount of weight, he had Chills, and extreme fatigue.
Doc has since taken my dad off the meds and will see him next week.
Soooo…..does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? Thank you in advance
Am I crazy to request he go back on the infusions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

@gigigatta

I am 72 years old and am on zanubrutinib for 3 months after a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. 2 pills twice a day and I have had little to no side effects.

Jump to this post

So helpful, @gigigatta. Thank you.

Are you taking zanubrutinib for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma?

REPLY
@jam5

What minimal side effects have you experienced?

Jump to this post

I am fatigued and have limited internal drive. My extremities often are cold.
Periodically, I have to deal with constipation.

REPLY
@jam5

Do you have a try other medical conditions- heart fib …?

Jump to this post

I have no other medical conditions.

REPLY
@colleenyoung

So helpful, @gigigatta. Thank you.

Are you taking zanubrutinib for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma?

Jump to this post

No Zanubrutinib is my first treatment after my diagnosis. My drs at Penn Medicine say that it was so effective at relapsed MCL that they are trying it as a first line treatment.

REPLY

Recently diagnosed with WM...78 years old & healthy my entire life..being treated with Brukinsa..wondering why I have so much stomach pain..lots of tests & all docs say its from the opioids & then constipation..stopped the opioids & not constipated anymore but still have stomach pain....what causes this...how long does it take for the bowels to heal & find pain relief? Meds I take are ibuprofen for pain but no relief...any advice is greatly appreciates.

REPLY
@kabue9

Recently diagnosed with WM...78 years old & healthy my entire life..being treated with Brukinsa..wondering why I have so much stomach pain..lots of tests & all docs say its from the opioids & then constipation..stopped the opioids & not constipated anymore but still have stomach pain....what causes this...how long does it take for the bowels to heal & find pain relief? Meds I take are ibuprofen for pain but no relief...any advice is greatly appreciates.

Jump to this post

I’ve been told not to take anything for pain but Tylenol for pain. Ibrpropen may be cause of some stomach pain. Very irritating . Check with doctor though

REPLY
@kabue9

Recently diagnosed with WM...78 years old & healthy my entire life..being treated with Brukinsa..wondering why I have so much stomach pain..lots of tests & all docs say its from the opioids & then constipation..stopped the opioids & not constipated anymore but still have stomach pain....what causes this...how long does it take for the bowels to heal & find pain relief? Meds I take are ibuprofen for pain but no relief...any advice is greatly appreciates.

Jump to this post

I am a 75 year old male on Brukinsa (Zanabrutinib) for the past 16/17 months and have not had any stomach pains. I too have dealt with periodic constipation throughout the duration. I find good nutrition and exercising as much as possible greatly help with this. For the odd 'stubborn' instances, I'll eat a couple of prunes which certainly does the job.

REPLY
@kabue9

Recently diagnosed with WM...78 years old & healthy my entire life..being treated with Brukinsa..wondering why I have so much stomach pain..lots of tests & all docs say its from the opioids & then constipation..stopped the opioids & not constipated anymore but still have stomach pain....what causes this...how long does it take for the bowels to heal & find pain relief? Meds I take are ibuprofen for pain but no relief...any advice is greatly appreciates.

Jump to this post

Great comments . Thanks

REPLY
@kabue9

Recently diagnosed with WM...78 years old & healthy my entire life..being treated with Brukinsa..wondering why I have so much stomach pain..lots of tests & all docs say its from the opioids & then constipation..stopped the opioids & not constipated anymore but still have stomach pain....what causes this...how long does it take for the bowels to heal & find pain relief? Meds I take are ibuprofen for pain but no relief...any advice is greatly appreciates.

Jump to this post

@kabue9, I moved your question to the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group to this discussion:
- Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM): Anyone on zanubrutinib (Brukinsa)?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/waldrenstrom-macroglobulinemia/

How is the pain in your stomach?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.