What is Zanubrutinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Zanubrutinib is a targeted cancer medication that blocks specific proteins to help fight certain blood cancers. This oral medication belongs to a class of drugs called BTK inhibitors, which work by interfering with signals that cancer cells need to grow and survive. Your doctor might prescribe zanubrutinib if you have been diagnosed with specific types of blood cancers like mantle cell lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

What is Zanubrutinib?

Zanubrutinib is a prescription medication designed to treat specific blood cancers by targeting cancer cells directly. It works as a BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor, meaning it blocks a protein that cancer cells use to multiply and spread throughout your body.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth, usually twice daily. Unlike chemotherapy that affects both healthy and cancerous cells, zanubrutinib is considered a "targeted therapy" because it focuses primarily on cancer cells while causing less damage to normal, healthy cells.

The drug was developed specifically for blood cancers and has been approved by the FDA for certain conditions. Your healthcare team will determine if zanubrutinib is the right treatment option based on your specific type of cancer and overall health condition.

What is Zanubrutinib Used For?

Zanubrutinib is primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers, particularly those affecting your immune system. Your doctor will prescribe this medication if you have been diagnosed with specific conditions that respond well to BTK inhibition.

The main conditions treated with zanubrutinib include mantle cell lymphoma, which is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects white blood cells called B-cells. This cancer typically affects the lymph nodes, spleen, and other parts of your immune system.

Zanubrutinib is also used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slow-growing cancer that affects white blood cells in your bone marrow and blood. Additionally, it may be prescribed for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a rare type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend zanubrutinib for other blood cancers if they believe it will be effective for your specific situation. The decision to use this medication depends on factors like your cancer type, stage, previous treatments, and overall health.

How Does Zanubrutinib Work?

Zanubrutinib works by blocking a specific protein called BTK that cancer cells need to survive and multiply. Think of BTK as a key that unlocks the door for cancer cells to grow and spread throughout your body.

When you take zanubrutinib, it essentially "steals" this key, preventing cancer cells from receiving the signals they need to continue growing. This targeted approach helps shrink tumors and reduces the number of cancer cells in your blood and lymph nodes.

The medication is considered moderately strong in terms of cancer treatments. While it's not as intensive as traditional chemotherapy, it's still a powerful drug that requires careful monitoring by your healthcare team.

Unlike chemotherapy that affects many different types of cells, zanubrutinib is designed to be more selective. This means it primarily targets the cancer cells while causing fewer side effects to your healthy cells, though you may still experience some side effects.

How Should I Take Zanubrutinib?

Zanubrutinib should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, typically twice daily with or without food. You can take the capsules with water, milk, or juice, but make sure to swallow them whole without crushing, chewing, or opening them.

Taking zanubrutinib with food may help reduce stomach upset if you experience nausea. However, you don't need to eat a specific type of meal before taking your medication. A light snack or regular meal works fine.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your body. Many people find it helpful to set reminders on their phone or use a pill organizer to stay on track.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about strategies that might help. Never break open the capsules or mix the contents with food, as this can affect how the medication works.

How Long Should I Take Zanubrutinib For?

The duration of zanubrutinib treatment varies significantly from person to person, depending on how well your cancer responds and how you tolerate the medication. Many people take zanubrutinib for months or even years as part of their long-term cancer management.

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular blood tests and imaging studies to determine how well the medication is working. If your cancer is responding well and you're tolerating the medication without serious side effects, you may continue treatment for an extended period.

Some people take zanubrutinib until their cancer progresses or until side effects become too difficult to manage. Others may take it as maintenance therapy to help prevent cancer from returning after achieving remission.

Never stop taking zanubrutinib without discussing it with your healthcare team first. Stopping suddenly could allow your cancer to grow again, even if you're feeling better or experiencing side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Zanubrutinib?

Like all cancer medications, zanubrutinib can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are manageable with proper care and monitoring from your healthcare team.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience while taking zanubrutinib:

• Decreased white blood cell counts, which can increase your risk of infections
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
• Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal
• Upper respiratory tract infections like colds or sinusitis
• Diarrhea or changes in bowel movements
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

These common side effects usually become more manageable as your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor can provide strategies to help minimize discomfort and maintain your quality of life.

Some people may experience more serious but less common side effects that require immediate medical attention. These rare but important side effects include severe bleeding, serious infections due to very low white blood cell counts, or heart rhythm problems.

Other rare possibilities include tumor lysis syndrome, which happens when cancer cells break down too quickly, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious skin reaction. While these complications are uncommon, your healthcare team will monitor you carefully for any signs of serious side effects.

If you experience fever, unusual bleeding, severe fatigue, or any symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention can help prevent minor side effects from becoming more serious problems.

Who Should Not Take Zanubrutinib?

Zanubrutinib isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether it's safe for you based on your medical history and current health conditions. Some people need to avoid this medication entirely, while others may need special monitoring or dose adjustments.

You should not take zanubrutinib if you're allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

People with certain heart conditions may need to avoid zanubrutinib or require careful monitoring. This includes those with irregular heart rhythms, recent heart attacks, or severe heart failure. The medication can sometimes affect your heart's electrical system.

If you have active, serious infections, your doctor may delay starting zanubrutinib until the infection is under control. The medication can lower your immune system's ability to fight infections, so existing infections need to be treated first.

Pregnant women should not take zanubrutinib as it can harm the developing baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medication.

People with severe liver problems may need dose adjustments or may not be able to take zanubrutinib safely. Your doctor will check your liver function before starting treatment and monitor it regularly throughout your treatment.

Zanubrutinib Brand Names

Zanubrutinib is available under the brand name Brukinsa in the United States and many other countries. This is the most commonly prescribed form of the medication and is manufactured by BeiGene.

When you receive your prescription, you'll see "Brukinsa" on the medication bottle along with the generic name "zanubrutinib." Both names refer to the same medication, so don't worry if you see either name used by your healthcare team.

Currently, Brukinsa is the primary brand name available for zanubrutinib. Unlike some medications that have multiple brand versions, zanubrutinib is primarily available under this single brand name in most markets.

Zanubrutinib Alternatives

Several other medications work similarly to zanubrutinib and might be considered as alternatives depending on your specific situation. These alternatives are also BTK inhibitors or other targeted therapies used for blood cancers.

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) is another BTK inhibitor that treats many of the same blood cancers as zanubrutinib. Some people switch between these medications based on side effects or how well they respond to treatment.

Acalabrutinib (Calquence) is also a BTK inhibitor that may be used for similar conditions. Each of these medications has slightly different side effect profiles and dosing schedules, so your doctor will help determine which might work best for you.

Other treatment options might include traditional chemotherapy combinations, immunotherapy drugs, or newer targeted therapies. The choice depends on your specific type of cancer, previous treatments, and overall health condition.

Never switch medications or stop taking zanubrutinib without discussing alternatives with your healthcare team first. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of different treatment options.

Is Zanubrutinib Better Than Ibrutinib?

Both zanubrutinib and ibrutinib are effective BTK inhibitors, but they have some important differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other. Neither medication is universally "better" – the choice depends on your individual situation.

Zanubrutinib may cause fewer heart-related side effects compared to ibrutinib, which can be important if you have existing heart conditions. Some studies suggest that zanubrutinib might be less likely to cause irregular heart rhythms or high blood pressure.

Ibrutinib has been available longer and has more extensive research data, particularly for long-term use. This longer track record can be reassuring for some patients and doctors when making treatment decisions.

The dosing schedules differ between the two medications. Zanubrutinib is typically taken twice daily, while ibrutinib is usually taken once daily. Some people prefer the convenience of once-daily dosing, while others don't mind taking medication twice daily.

Your doctor will consider factors like your specific type of cancer, other health conditions, current medications, and personal preferences when recommending either zanubrutinib or ibrutinib. Both medications have shown good effectiveness in treating blood cancers.