What is Pirtobrutinib used for?

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor (a medicine of the same type); small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor; mantle cell lymphoma that came back after at least 2 other treatments, including another BTK inhibitor.

What are the common side effects of Pirtobrutinib?

Feeling tired. Bruising easily. Diarrhea. Muscle or joint aches. Cold symptoms, cough or other infections. Low blood counts.

When should I call my care team while taking Pirtobrutinib?

Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood; A severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking; A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Pirtobrutinib

Say it: PIR-toe-BROO-ti-nib · Brand names: Jaypirca

Pirtobrutinib is a targeted pill that blocks a protein some blood cancer cells need, and it can work after other medicines like it have stopped working.

What it is

B cells are a type of white blood cell. In some blood cancers, B cells grow out of control. Pirtobrutinib blocks a protein called BTK (Bruton tyrosine kinase) that these cancer cells need to grow and survive. It attaches to BTK in a different way than older BTK medicines, so it can still work when the cancer has changed and learned to resist them.

Often used for

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor (a medicine of the same type)
small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor
mantle cell lymphoma that came back after at least 2 other treatments, including another BTK inhibitor

How you get it

Pirtobrutinib is a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Many people take it every day for as long as it keeps working. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
Bruising easily. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
Muscle or joint aches. Gentle stretching and warm baths may help.
Cold symptoms, cough or other infections. Wash your hands often.
Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood.

Call your care team right away if you have

Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood
A severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking
A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort
A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain

Before you start, tell your team

If you take blood thinners, aspirin or other medicines that raise bleeding risk
If you are having surgery, dental work or another procedure, since you may need to pause this medicine for a few days. Your team will tell you when
If you have heart rhythm problems or high blood pressure
If you have kidney problems or an infection
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements

Good to know

Pirtobrutinib raises the risk of bleeding. Your team will tell you when to stop it around surgery.
Serious infections can happen. Your team may give medicines to prevent some infections.
Heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, can happen.
You will have regular blood tests to check your blood counts.
Skin cancers are more common. Use sunscreen, cover up in the sun, and have your skin checked.

At home

Take it once a day with water at about the same time, with or without food.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush or chew them.
If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
Store at room temperature, away from children and pets.

Questions to ask

How long will I take this medicine?
Should I stop it before surgery or dental work?
What signs of infection should I watch for?
Which of my other medicines could interact with it?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Pirtobrutinib?: Pirtobrutinib is a targeted pill that blocks a protein some blood cancer cells need, and it can work after other medicines like it have stopped working. Brand names: Jaypirca.
What is Pirtobrutinib used for?: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor (a medicine of the same type); small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that came back after treatment with another BTK inhibitor; mantle cell lymphoma that came back after at least 2 other treatments, including another BTK inhibitor.
How is Pirtobrutinib given?: Pirtobrutinib is a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Many people take it every day for as long as it keeps working. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Pirtobrutinib?: Feeling tired. Bruising easily. Diarrhea. Muscle or joint aches. Cold symptoms, cough or other infections. Low blood counts.
When should I call my care team while taking Pirtobrutinib?: Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood; A severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking; A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.