Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a prescription drug used to treat certain forms of blood cancer. The drug comes as a capsule you swallow. It’s usually taken once or twice per day.

Brukinsa is used to treat the following types of lymphoma and leukemia in adults:

Brukinsa contains the active ingredient zanubrutinib. It belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors.

This article describes the dosages of Brukinsa, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Brukinsa, see this in-depth article.

Note: Brukinsa received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain cases of MCL, MZL, and FL. This approval is based on the results of early studies of Brukinsa. Full approval for these uses will be decided by the FDA after additional trials are completed. If you have questions about accelerated approval for these uses of Brukinsa, talk with your doctor.

* For this use, Brukinsa is used with another medication called Gazyva (obinutuzumab).

This section describes the usual dosages of Brukinsa. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Brukinsa’s form?

Brukinsa comes as an oral capsule.

What strength does Brukinsa come in?

Brukinsa is available in one strength of 80 milligrams (mg).

What are the usual dosages of Brukinsa?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Brukinsa is prescribed after you’ve tried at least one other treatment for MCL. The typical Brukinsa dosage for adults with MCL is either 160 mg (two capsules) twice per day or 320 mg (four capsules) once per day. You’ll typically take this dosage as long as Brukinsa is working to treat your condition and you can tolerate the medication.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Dosage for marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)

For adults with MZL that has relapsed (returned or worsened after treatment) or is refractory (didn’t respond to treatment), Brukinsa is used after you’ve tried at least one anti-CD20-based treatment regimen. (This is a type of immunotherapy treatment.)

The typical dosage of Brukinsa for MZL is 160 mg (two capsules) twice per day or 320 mg (four capsules) once per day. You’ll typically take this dosage as long as the drug is working to treat your condition and you can tolerate its side effects.

If you have specific questions about Brukinsa’s dosage for MZL, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM)

Brukinsa’s dosage for WM is either 160 mg (two capsules) twice per day or 320 mg (four capsules) once per day.

You’ll typically take this dosage as long as Brukinsa is working to treat your condition and you can tolerate the medication.

If you have specific questions about Brukinsa’s dosage for WM, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

The dosage of Brukinsa for CLL and SLL is 160 mg (two capsules) twice per day or 320 mg (four capsules) once per day.

You’ll typically take this dosage as long as the drug is working to treat your condition and you can tolerate its side effects.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Brukinsa for CLL or SLL.

Dosage for follicular lymphoma (FL)

Brukinsa is used to treat FL that has relapsed (returned or worsened after treatment) or is refractory (didn’t respond to treatment). The drug is prescribed after you’ve tried two or more treatments for FL. Brukinsa is prescribed in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazvya) for FL.

You’ll receive Gazyva as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) at a clinic or hospital. Your doctor will provide more information about your dosage and dosing schedule for Gazyva.

Brukinsa’s dosage for FL is either 160 mg (two capsules) twice per day or 320 mg (two capsules) once per day.

You’ll typically take Brukinsa as long as it’s working to treat your condition and you can tolerate the medication.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Brukinsa for FL.

How to take Brukinsa

Brukinsa comes as a capsule you swallow. You can take it with or without food. Try to take Brukinsa around the same time each day to keep consistent levels of the drug in your body. This helps it to work effectively. If you’re taking Brukinsa twice per day, try to take it about every 12 hours.

Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not cut, crush, or chew Brukinsa capsules. If you have trouble swallowing pills, see this article for tips. You can also talk with your pharmacist about your options.

Is Brukinsa used long term?

Yes, Brukinsa is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Your doctor may stop your Brukinsa treatment if you have intolerable side effects or the drug stops working for you.

If you have questions about how long you’ll take Brukinsa, talk with your doctor.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Brukinsa’s dosage.

Is Brukinsa a chemo drug?

No, Brukinsa is not a chemotherapy drug. It belongs to the kinase inhibitor group of medications. This is a type of targeted therapy that targets and attacks certain kinds of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs attack all fast-growing cells, whether they’re cancerous or not, and may cause more side effects than targeted therapy.

If you have questions about Brukinsa dosing or how it works to treat your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide more detailed information.

Are Brukinsa and Calquence dosing similar?

No. Although Brukinsa and Calquence have some similarities, they also have differences.

Both drugs are used to treat certain types of blood cancer, including MCL, CLL, and SLL. But Brukinsa is also approved to treat certain other types of blood cancer. And the active ingredients, dosages, and forms of these drugs differ.

Brukinsa contains the active ingredient zanubrutinib and comes as an oral capsule. It can be taken either once or twice per day. Calquence contains the active ingredient acalabrutinib. It comes as an oral tablet and is typically taken twice per day.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions about Brukinsa and Calquence dosing.

Do not take more Brukinsa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Brukinsa

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Brukinsa. 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.

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.