Brukinsa Side Effects

Generic name: zanubrutinib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about zanubrutinib. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Brukinsa.

For the Consumer

Applies to zanubrutinib: oral capsule

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, zanubrutinib (the active ingredient contained in Brukinsa) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking zanubrutinib:

More common

Black, tarry stools
bladder pain
bleeding gums
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
body aches or pain
chest pain or tightness
chills
cough
coughing up blood
decreased urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty in breathing or swallowing
dizziness
dry mouth
ear congestion
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
fever
frequent urge to urinate
headache
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
increased thirst
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
loss of appetite
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
nosebleeds
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
paralysis
pinpoint red spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
prolonged bleeding from cuts
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
sneezing
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of zanubrutinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to zanubrutinib: oral capsule

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): All grades neutropenia (up to 56%), all grades thrombocytopenia (up to 45%) , hemorrhage (up to 32%), all grades anemia (up to 28%) , all grades leukopenia (25%)

Common (1% to 10%): Grade 3 or 4 anemia, Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia, Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Grade 3 or higher infection (23%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, arthritis) (up to 45%), muscle spasms (10%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Glucose increased (45%), blood uric acid increased (up to 29%), hypokalemia (14%), calcium decreased (27%), hyperkalemia (24%), hypophosphatemia (20%)

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (up to 15%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): ALT increased (28%), bilirubin increased (up to 24%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hepatitis B reactivation^[Ref]

Oncologic

Very common (10% or more): Second primary malignancies (13%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 44%), pneumonia (up to 22%), cough (up to 21%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 30%), bruising (up to 20%), pruritus (11%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 23%), constipation (up to 16%), nausea (18%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastrointestinal hemorrhage^[Ref]

General

The most common adverse events were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, hemorrhage, rash, anemia and musculoskeletal pain.