Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a prescription drug used in adults to treat certain types of blood cancers. Brukinsa can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include infection, hemorrhage (bleeding), and muscle pain.

Specifically, Brukinsa is used in adults to treat different types of blood cancer, including:

The active ingredient in Brukinsa is zanubrutinib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Brukinsa comes as an oral capsule.

Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects Brukinsa can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

* For this use, Brukinsa is taken together with Gazyva (obinutuzumab).

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Brukinsa treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Mild side effects have been reported with Brukinsa. These include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Brukinsa unless your doctor recommends it.

Brukinsa may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Brukinsa, but it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Serious side effects have been reported with Brukinsa. These include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Brukinsa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Brukinsa, but it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Brukinsa, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Brukinsa’s side effects.

Can Brukinsa cause hair loss or weight gain?

No. Neither hair loss nor weight gain were reported as side effects in studies of Brukinsa. However, fluid buildup was reported as a side effect, and this swelling can temporarily affect your weight. How long the swelling lasted wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

If you have questions about hair loss, weight gain, or fluid buildup during Brukinsa treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does Brukinsa cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in Brukinsa’s studies include:

  • bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
  • low blood cell count
  • abnormal heartbeat
  • development of other types of cancer
  • changes in levels of blood electrolytes
  • increased blood sugar levels
  • increased uric acid levels
  • increased liver enzymes
  • increased serum creatinine levels

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Brukinsa and how long they may last.

Learn more about some of the side effects Brukinsa may cause.

Bleeding

Bleeding was reported in studies of Brukinsa. This is a serious side effect that can sometimes be a medical emergency. Bleeding may cause symptoms such as:

Factors that can increase the risk of bleeding when taking this drug include:

  • liver or kidney problems
  • taking other medications or products that increase bleeding risk

What might help

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms or have unusual bleeding during your treatment with Brukinsa. If you feel these symptoms could be life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Infection

infections are a serious side effect reported in studies of Brukinsa. Depending on the type, infections may cause symptoms such as:

  • fever
  • chills
  • body aches
  • tiredness
  • coughing

Factors that can increase the risk of infection when taking this drug include:

  • taking other medications that weaken your immune system
  • being age 65 years or older

What might help

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms during treatment with Brukinsa. They’ll review your symptoms and prescribe treatment as needed. If you feel the symptoms are life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Brukinsa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Brukinsa, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Brukinsa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Brukinsa treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Brukinsa affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Brukinsa.

Warnings

Brukinsa can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Brukinsa. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

  • diabetes
  • gout
  • liver problems
  • kidney problems
  • heart problems
  • high blood pressure
  • bleeding problems
  • infection
  • previous allergic reaction to Brukinsa
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Alcohol and Brukinsa

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Brukinsa. But alcohol consumption can cause similar side effects to Brukinsa, such as increased liver enzymes and bleeding risk. Consuming alcohol during Brukinsa treatment could worsen these effects.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about consuming it while taking this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Brukinsa

Brukinsa is usually prescribed for someone who’s pregnant or breastfeeding only if the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks to the fetus or child.

Pregnancy

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Brukinsa during pregnancy. It’s possible the drug could harm a fetus when taken by someone who’s pregnant.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

If you’re able to become pregnant or are sexually active with someone who can become pregnant, it’s recommended to use a form of birth control throughout your Brukinsa treatment and for 1 week after your treatment ends.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control while taking Brukinsa.

Breastfeeding

It isn’t known whether Brukinsa is safe to take while breastfeeding. It’s not known whether the drug passes into breast milk, but it could cause serious side effects in a child who’s breastfed. It’s recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking Brukinsa and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.

Like most drugs, Brukinsa can cause a number of side effects that range from mild to serious. But most are temporary and go away after a few days to weeks. If you have questions about side effects this drug can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • How do Brukinsa’s side effects compare with those of similar drugs for treating my condition?
  • Does my risk of bleeding depend on the dosage I take?
  • Will I still be at risk of developing other types of cancer once I stop taking Brukinsa?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.