All About Jaypirca

Jaypirca is a prescription oral tablet used in adults to treat certain types of blood cancers, including mantle cell lymphoma. Jaypirca is not available in a generic version.

What is Jaypirca used for?

Jaypirca is used to treat the following conditions in adults.

Note: Jaypirca has received accelerated approval.

 from the FDA for these uses based on results from early studies. After additional studies of Jaypirca have been done, the FDA will make a decision about the drug’s full approval.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Jaypirca is used to treat MCL that has come back after or didn’t respond to treatment with at least two systemic (whole-body) treatments. These past treatments must include at least one Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, such as ibrutinib (Imbruvica).

MCL is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma. It affects white blood cells in your lymph nodes, which are part of your immune system. Symptoms of MCL include appetite loss, night sweats, and fever.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

Jaypirca is used to treat CLL or SLL in someone who’s received at least two treatments for their condition. These past treatments must include at least one BTK inhibitor and one B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor such as venetoclax (Venclexta).

CLL is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Symptoms of CLL include fatigue, night sweats, and frequent infections.

SLL is similar to CLL, but it mainly affects white blood cells in the lymph nodes. Symptoms of SLL include painless swelling in your armpit, groin, or neck. You may also experience fatigue and unexpected weight loss.

How it works

Jaypirca works by blocking the action of an enzyme called BTK. By doing this, Jaypirca can slow or stop cancerous blood cells from reproducing, growing, and spreading in your body.

What are Jaypirca’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Jaypirca may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Jaypirca may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Jaypirca. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Jaypirca can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Jaypirca’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Jaypirca that have been reported include:

• abdominal pain
• bruising
• cough
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• fatigue (low energy)
• fever
• Fluid retention and bloating
• mild upper respiratory infection such as the common cold
• nausea
• pain in your bones, joints, or muscles
• peripheral neuropathy
• shortness of breath
• mild allergic reaction*

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Jaypirca may occur, although they are not frequent. If you have serious side effects from Jaypirca, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having an emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Jaypirca that have been reported include:

• arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate or rhythm), including atrial fibrillation
• blood cell problems, including neutropenia (low neutrophil count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• increased risk of serious infection, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia.
• serious, possibly life-threatening bleeding, such as in the brain or digestive tract
• increased risk of developing other cancers, including skin cancer and breast cancer.
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Jaypirca.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Jaypirca. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What is Jaypirca’s dosage?

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Jaypirca that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Jaypirca is available as an oral tablet in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 mg.

Recommended dosage

The recommended Jaypirca dosage is the same whether it’s used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Your doctor will likely prescribe a dosage of 200 mg taken once per day.

To learn more about Jaypirca’s dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Questions about taking Jaypirca

Below are some common questions about taking Jaypirca.

• Can Jaypirca be chewed, crushed, or split?Can Jaypirca be chewed, crushed, or divided? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Jaypirca tablets. You should swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Should I take Jaypirca with food? Jaypirca can be taken with or without food. But you should take Jaypirca tablets with a glass of water.
• Is there a best time of day to take Jaypirca? Jaypirca can be taken at any time of day, but it’s best to take it around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body, which helps Jaypirca work effectively.
• What if I miss a dose of Jaypirca ? If you miss a dose of Jaypirca, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s been more than 12 hours since the dose was due, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
• Will I need to use Jaypirca long term? Jaypirca is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

Overdose

Do not take more Jaypirca than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Jaypirca

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Jaypirca. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should be considered before Jaypirca?

Below is important information you should consider before taking Jaypirca.

Interactions

Taking a drug with certain medications, vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before starting Jaypirca treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Jaypirca can interact with multiple medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Before taking Jaypirca, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Drug interactions

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Jaypirca. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Jaypirca. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug group or drug name	Drug examples
certain antibiotics	• clarithromycin• rifampin (Rimactane)
certain seizures drugs	• carbamazepine (Tegretol, others)• phenytoin (Dilantin)
certain antifungals	• itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)• ketoconazole
them.	• Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)• Stribild (cobicistat/elvitegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
Certain HIV drugs	• nelfinavir (Viracept)• efavirenz and combination drugs that contain it, such as efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Atripla)
Nefazodone, an antidepressant	—
bosentan (Tracleer), used to treat pulmonary hypertension	—
blood thinners	• warfarin (Jantoven)• clopidogrel (Plavix)

Jaypirca and alcohol

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Jaypirca. But alcohol may worsen certain side effects of the drug, including fatigue (low energy) and diarrhea. Drinking alcohol may also cause pain in people with lymphoma. Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Jaypirca and supplements

Jaypirca interacts with St. John’s wort, which is used to ease symptoms of depression and other conditions. Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid taking this supplement during your Jaypirca treatment. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Jaypirca should not be taken during pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, your doctor will likely order a pregnancy test and will only prescribe Jaypirca if you’re not pregnant.

Due to the risk of side effects in a breastfed child, it’s not safe to take Jaypirca while breastfeeding. You should avoid breastfeeding during your Jaypirca treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

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

Birth control

If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use birth control throughout your Jaypirca treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

Warnings

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

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

• arrhythmia or other heart rhythm problem
• bleeding problems, such as hemophilia
• currently have an infection
• high blood pressure
• history of other cancers, such as skin cancer
• kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
• recent or upcoming surgery
• previous allergic reaction to Jaypirca
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

What are some frequently asked questions about Jaypirca?

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Jaypirca.

Does Jaypirca cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Examples of long-term side effects reported in Jaypirca’s studies include:

• arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation
• serious, possibly life-threatening bleeding, such as in the brain or digestive tract
• increased risk of developing other cancers, including skin cancer and breast cancer.

You can talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Jaypirca and how long they may last.

Will Jaypirca cure my condition?

No, Jaypirca does not cure cancer. There’s currently no cure for this condition. However, Jaypirca works to manage the symptoms of the cancers it treats.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Jaypirca treatment, talk with your doctor.

How does Jaypirca compare with Calquence?

Jaypirca and acalabrutinib (Calquence) are similar drugs. They belong to the same drug group and are both used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and small lymphocytic lymphoma in certain adults.

Jaypirca comes as an oral tablet, while Calquence is available as an oral capsule.

If you have other questions about how Jaypirca and Calquence compare, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for you.

Jaypirca cost and coupons

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Jaypirca. What you’ll pay for Jaypirca may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

• Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Jaypirca when using coupons from the site.Visit Optum Perks for cost estimates and savings coupons for Jaypirca. See the coupon options below. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.)
• Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A Jaypirca Savings Card may also be available.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Jaypirca, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Jaypirca:

• acalabrutinib (Calquence)
• ibrutinib (Imbruvica)
• venetoclax (Venclexta)
• zanubrutinib (Brukinsa)
• bortezomib (Velcade)
• rituximab (Rituxan)

FAQs about Jaypirca

What is Jaypirca used for?

Jaypirca is used to treat two specific types of blood cancer in adults:

• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) that has come back after or resisted treatment with at least two other medications, including a BTK inhibitor.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that has not responded to at least two prior treatments, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor.

How does Jaypirca work?

Jaypirca works by blocking an enzyme called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK plays a role in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking BTK, Jaypirca can help slow or stop the cancer cells from growing.

What are Jaypirca’s side effects?

Jaypirca can cause a variety of side effects, both mild and serious. Some of the most common mild side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bruising
• Cough
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Fluid retention and bloating
• Nausea
• Pain in bones, joints, or muscles
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Shortness of breath

Serious side effects are less common but can occur. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these:

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Bleeding problems
• Increased risk of infection
• Severe allergic reaction

What are some things to consider before taking Jaypirca?

It’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history before starting Jaypirca treatment, especially if you have any of the following:

• Heart rhythm problems
• Bleeding problems
• Current infection
• High blood pressure
• History of cancer
• Kidney problems
• Recent or upcoming surgery
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Does Jaypirca cure cancer?

No, Jaypirca is not a cure for cancer. However, it can help manage the symptoms of the cancers it treats.

How does Jaypirca compare to other medications?

Jaypirca belongs to a class of drugs called BTK inhibitors. Acalabrutinib (Calquence) is another similar medication used to treat the same types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about which medication is the best choice for you.

Are there any financial resources available to help with the cost of Jaypirca?

The cost of Jaypirca can vary depending on your insurance and treatment plan. There are resources available to help you save money on your prescription, such as coupons and savings programs.

What to ask your doctor

If you have questions about taking Jaypirca, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Questions you may want to ask include:

• Can my dose of Jaypirca be decreased if I develop side effects from the drug?
• How should I manage mild side effects of Jaypirca?
• Are there ways I can lower my risk of infection while taking Jaypirca?
• If I can’t afford Jaypirca, what other treatment options are available?

To learn more about Jaypirca, see this article.