Robert 507-I am on day 6 of Brukinsa. To date, no ill effects. Our insurance results in a $100 monthly copay, which is doable for us. Every time I pick up the bottle I am reminded of the actual cost. Your words about Brukinsa definitely made it easier to for me to accept it. Here's to everyone having the simplest path possible. hope you are having a good day today. I am. I am also doing my best to take a nap every day. That helps me to have a bit of energy to make supper and spend some time with my husband. THanks for being here...

Joe6- sorry this is tough. I hope yo u get both good answers but also good meds. Yikes. Brukinsa so far has not had any side effects. Labs in about 2.5 weeks. we shall see. I feel that my lymph nodes have shrunk... wheee... please keep us posted.

I have now taken 6 weeks of Brukinsa and I feel a bit better. My energy is better, although periodically I just HAVE to stop and take a nap. My numbers were nuts on my first blood test, but my doc said "as expected. Nothing to worry about." Horribly expensive but my insurance only charges me $100/month. SO grateful for so much, including this place where real people who are on the same path as me, and even on different paths, can come together to share experiences- and HOPE!

Jo, I can see why you are considering MD Anderson. You should be able to feel comfortable and trust your oncologist. Your doctor should be explaining these things to you. That’s why they get paid the “big bucks.” Hope those answers above help you.

Jo6
This is what I found when I ask what the difference between the two drugs was. Seems not much. And used if allergy to one possibly as another option. Options are good. 😊 Hope this helps. 💜
Kel

Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) and Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) are both drugs that inhibit BTK, a signaling protein that activates pathways responsible for B-cell proliferation, activity, and growth in lymphomas and B-cell leukemia:
How they work:
Zanubrutinib is a small-molecule inhibitor that forms a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in BTK's active site, irreversibly inhibiting BTK activity. Jaypirca is a non-covalent BTK inhibitor that binds to BTK using reversible hydrogen and ionic bonds, allowing it to bind, unbind, and bind again. This different way of binding helps Jaypirca stop BTK activation even if BTK mutations have occurred from prior use of covalent BTK inhibitors.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Jaypirca is 200 mg orally once daily, while the usual dose for Zanubrutinib is 160 mg twice a day or 320 mg once a day. A doctor may adjust the dosage as needed.
When prescribed
Doctors typically prescribe Jaypirca after someone has tried at least two other treatments for CLL or SLL, while they may prescribe Imbruvica as a first treatment.