7 mins read

Overview: Jaypirca is used to treat certain blood cancers. It helps slow or stop cancer growth by blocking a specific protein. Common side effects are upper airway infections, including COVID-19, rash, and lab test changes, such as low white blood cells and changes in liver enzymes. It can cause serious side effects, including infections, bleeding, low blood cell counts, heart rhythm problems, liver problems, and new cancers. Jaypirca can also interact with other medicines, so tell your health care provider about everything you take.

Uses

What is Jaypirca used for?

Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) is commonly used to treat the following types of blood cancer in certain people.

Learn more about How Jaypirca Works for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL).

Jaypirca may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Jaypirca work (mechanism of action)?

Jaypirca works by blocking a specific protein in B-cells called BTK. Cancer cells need this protein to grow, spread, and survive. By blocking this protein, Jaypirca can help slow or stop cancer growth.

How is Jaypirca supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Jaypirca

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Jaypirca?

Jaypirca should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Jaypirca?

The most common side effects of Jaypirca are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections (see below)
  • Bruising
  • Cough
  • Blood disorders (see below)

There may be other side effects of Jaypirca that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Jaypirca?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Jaypirca are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Jaypirca may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Jaypirca and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections. Jaypirca can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Severe Bleeding. Jaypirca can increase your risk of bleeding, including severe bleeding that may lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Jaypirca.

  • Unusual bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Headache that will not go away
  • Trouble speaking
  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Blood Disorders. Jaypirca can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cells (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). Stop taking Jaypirca and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Heart Rhythm Changes. Jaypirca may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or high blood pressure. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Cancer. Jaypirca can cause a new cancer or cause a previously treated cancer to return. This includes a risk of skin cancer. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Jaypirca. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Jaypirca?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Jaypirca.

  • Jaypirca
  • Pirtobrutinib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Jaypirca.

What should I know about Jaypirca before using it?

Do not take Jaypirca unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Jaypirca with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Jaypirca out of the reach of children.

Swallow Jaypirca whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. 

Attend all health care appointments including blood tests to make sure Jaypirca is safe for you to take. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Jaypirca?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Jaypirca is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Infection or a weak immune system and are at higher risk of infection
  • Bleeding problems
  • Heart problems, including an abnormal heart rhythm
  • Past cancers, including skin cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Jaypirca may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Jaypirca, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Planned Surgery. If you have a planned surgery, talk with your health care provider. Jaypirca can increase your risk for serious bleeding and is usually stopped at least 3 to 7 days before certain surgeries. Talk with your health care provider before you stop taking Jaypirca. 

Pregnancy. Jaypirca may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Jaypirca. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Jaypirca and for at least 1 week after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Jaypirca while you are breastfeeding and for at least 1 week after your last dose. It is not known if Jaypirca passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Jaypirca?

For more information about Jaypirca, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.jaypirca.com or call them at 800-545-5979.

Interactions

Does Jaypirca interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit interacts with Jaypirca. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Jaypirca. This is because grapefruit can affect your body’s ability to break down Jaypirca, which can lead to higher levels of the medicine and an increased risk of side effects. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Jaypirca, but both Jaypirca and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Jaypirca interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any blood thinning medicines, such as warfarin, which are commonly used to treat or prevent blood clots. 

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Jaypirca, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Jaypirca. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Jaypirca?

If you or someone else has used too much Jaypirca, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Jaypirca?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours from the time you usually take your dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.