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Drug Interactions between Brukinsa and ibrutinib

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

ibrutinib zanubrutinib

Applies to: ibrutinib and Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)

MONITOR CLOSELY: Coadministration of zanubrutinib with drugs that interfere with platelet function or coagulation may potentiate the risk of bleeding complications. Serious and fatal hemorrhagic events have been reported during zanubrutinib monotherapy. Grade 3 or higher bleeding events including intracranial and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria, and hemothorax have been reported in up to 4.6% of patients treated with zanubrutinib monotherapy, with fatalities occurring in up to 0.3% of patients. Overall, bleeding events of any grade, including purpura and petechiae, have occurred in patients both with and without concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy. Coadministration of zanubrutinib with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications may potentiate the risk of hemorrhage. The mechanism for the bleeding events is not well understood, although treatment with zanubrutinib commonly causes thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia, thrombocytopaenia, and anemia have been reported during treatment with zanubrutinib monotherapy.

MANAGEMENT: Use of zanubrutinib, either alone or concomitantly with other medications that interfere with platelet function or coagulation may potentiate risk of bleeding complications. Concomitant use should be done with caution. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring for bleeding complications is recommended during therapy. Patients should be advised to promptly report any signs and symptoms of bleeding to their physician. Discontinue zanubrutinib if intracranial hemorrhage of any grade occurs. Refer to the product labeling further dosage adjustment, and/or withholding treatment is advised if Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions occur. Additional consultation with individual package labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (3)
  1. (2025) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." BeiGene USA, Inc
  2. (2024) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." Beigene Aus Pty Ltd
  3. beigene switzerland gmbh (2025) Zanubrutinib PRODUCT MONOGRAPH https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00078143.PDF

Drug and food interactions

Major

ibrutinib food

Applies to: ibrutinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or Seville oranges may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of ibrutinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that other moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as diltiazem and erythromycin may increase ibrutinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 6- to 9-fold under fasting condition. The safety and efficacy of these exposures are unknown. The highest ibrutinib dose evaluated in clinical trials was 12.5 mg/kg (actual doses of 840 to 1400 mg) given for 28 days, which yielded single dose AUC values that were approximately 50% greater than steady-state exposures seen at the highest indicated dose of 560 mg.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the oral bioavailability of ibrutinib. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. According to the product labeling, administration with food increases ibrutinib exposure approximately 2-fold compared to administration after overnight fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ibrutinib should avoid consumption of Seville oranges, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Ibrutinib should be taken once daily at approximately the same time each day.

References (2)
  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. (2013) "Product Information. Imbruvica (ibrutinib)." Pharmacyclics Inc
Major

zanubrutinib food

Applies to: Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of zanubrutinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. When zanubrutinib was coadministered with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once daily), zanubrutinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased 157% and 278%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Data evaluating coadministration of zanubrutinib, in patients with B-cell lymphoma, and several other known CYP450 3A4 inhibitors have been reported. When zanubrutinib was coadministered with another CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (250 mg twice daily), zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased 101% and 92%, respectively. The moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor diltiazem (180 mg once daily) increased both zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC increased by 62%. Another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, fluconazole (400 mg once daily), increased zanubrutinib Cmax and AUC 81% and 88%, respectively. Clinical data for less potent inhibitors are not available. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased zanubrutinib exposure may potentiate the risk of toxicities such as hemorrhage, infection, cytopenias, malignancies, and serious cardiac arrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Food does not affect the oral bioavailability of zanubrutinib. No clinically significant differences in zanubrutinib Cmax or AUC were observed following administration of a high-fat meal (approximately 1000 calories; 50% from fat) in healthy subjects.

MANAGEMENT: Zanubrutinib may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges (a citrus relative of the grapefruit), and Seville orange juice during treatment with zanubrutinib. Close clinical monitoring for development of zanubrutinib-related toxicities, dosage adjustments, and/or withholding treatment in accordance with product labeling is advised. Additional consultation with individual package labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (3)
  1. (2025) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." BeiGene USA, Inc
  2. (2024) "Product Information. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)." Beigene Aus Pty Ltd
  3. beigene switzerland gmbh (2025) Zanubrutinib PRODUCT MONOGRAPH https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00078143.PDF

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Btk inhibitors

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'BTK inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'BTK inhibitors' category:

  • Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)
  • ibrutinib

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.


Report options

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.