Pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca™)

Author: Karen Arnold-Korzeniowski, MSN RN
Content Contributor: Mitchell Hughes, PharmD - Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Last Reviewed: January 31, 2023

Pronounce: Pir-toe-bru-ti-nib

Classification: Kinase Inhibitor

About: Pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca™)

Pirtobrutinib is a kinase inhibitor. A kinase is an enzyme that promotes cell growth. There are many types of kinases, which control different phases of cell growth.

How to Take Pirtobrutinib

Pirtobrutinib is taken by mouth in tablet form. It should be taken with water and with or without food. It should be taken whole. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets. If you cannot swallow the tablets, talk to your healthcare team for other options. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours since from the time you usually take your dose, then skip the missed dose and take your next daily dose at your usual time.

It is important to make sure you are taking the correct amount of medication every time. Before every dose, check that what you are taking matches what you have been prescribed.

Pirtobrutinib should not be taken with certain medications (CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP3A, P-gp, and BRCP substrates), as it can impact blood levels of these medications. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Storage and Handling

Store your medication in the original, labeled container unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This medication should not be stored in a pillbox. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets.

If a caregiver prepares your dose for you, they should consider wearing gloves or pour the pills directly from their container into the cap, a small cup, or directly into your hand. They should avoid touching the pills. They should always wash their hands before and after giving you the medication. Pregnant or nursing women should not prepare the dose for you. Ask your oncology team where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush down the toilet or throw in the trash.

Where do I get this medication?

Pirtobrutinib is available through select specialty pharmacies. Your oncology team will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network specialty pharmacy for distribution of this medication and shipment directly to your home.

Insurance Information

This medication may be covered under your prescription drug plan. Patient assistance may be available to qualifying individuals depending upon prescription drug coverage. Co-pay cards, which reduce the patient co-pay responsibility for eligible commercially (non-government sponsored) insured patients, may also be available. Your care team can help you find these resources if they are available.

Possible Side Effects of Pirtobrutinib

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of pirtobrutinib. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:

Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)

Your red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues in your body. When the red cell count is low, you may feel tired or weak. You should let your oncology care team know if you experience any shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or pain in your chest. If the count gets too low, you may receive a blood transfusion.

Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

Platelets help your blood clot, so when the count is low you are at a higher risk of bleeding. Let your oncology care team know if you have any excess bruising or bleeding, including nose bleeds, bleeding gums or blood in your urine or stool. If the platelet count becomes too low, you may receive a transfusion of platelets.

  • Do not use a razor (an electric razor is fine).
  • Avoid contact sports and activities that can result in injury or bleeding.
  • Do not take aspirin (salicylic acid), non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), Celebrex (celecoxib) etc. as these can all increase the risk of bleeding. Please consult with your healthcare team regarding use of these agents and all over the counter medications/supplements while on therapy.
  • Do not floss or use toothpicks and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth.

Low White Blood Cell Count (Leukopenia or Neutropenia) and Infection

White blood cells (WBC) are important for fighting infection. While receiving treatment, your WBC count can drop, putting you at a higher risk of getting an infection. You should let your doctor or nurse know right away if you have a fever (temperature greater than 100.4°F or 38°C), sore throat or cold, shortness of breath, cough, burning with urination, or a sore that doesn't heal.

Tips to preventing infection:

  • Washing hands, both yours and your visitors, is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Avoid large crowds and people who are sick (i.e.: those who have a cold, fever, or cough or live with someone with these symptoms).
  • When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves.
  • Do not handle pet waste.
  • Keep all cuts or scratches clean.
  • Shower or bathe daily and perform frequent mouth care.
  • Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish, but not fake nails.
  • Ask your oncology care team before scheduling dental appointments or procedures.
  • Ask your oncology care team before you, or someone you live with has any vaccinations.

Fatigue

Fatigue is very common during cancer treatment and is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that is not usually relieved by rest. While on cancer treatment, and for a period after, you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; a simple daily walk with a friend can help. Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on dealing with this side effect.

Muscle Pain

Talk to your provider about ways you can manage this pain.

Less common but important side effects can include:

  • Bleeding/Bruising:This medication can cause bruising and bleeding. The bleeding in some cases can become severe, called a hemorrhage. If you notice any new or worsening bruising or bleeding, let your provider know right away. Because of the potential for bleeding, this medication may be held 3-7 days before and/or after surgery.
  • Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter: This medication can cause a change in your heart rate and rhythm. If you feel your heart racing or skipping a beat, feel dizzy, faint, have chest pain, or shortness of breath, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Secondary Cancer:A secondary cancer is one that develops as a result of cancer treatment for another cancer. This is quite rare, but you should be aware of the risk. In most cases, this medication leads to non-melanoma skin cancers. It can also lead to solid tumor cancers like genitourinary and breast cancers. In some cases, it also caused melanoma. This can occur years after treatment. This is most often associated with repeated treatments or high doses. Your provider will monitor your labs closely. Consider having a complete blood count with differential checked annually by your healthcare provider if you received high risk therapies.

Sexual & Reproductive Concerns

Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while on this medication. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment and for at least one week after treatment, even if your menstrual cycle stops or you believe you are not producing sperm. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week following your last dose.

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