Pirtobrutinib approved to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma

Pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca), a first-generation noncovalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has received approval to treat relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. The drug poses risks for several serious adverse effects, including infections, hemorrhage, cytopenias, cardiac arrythmias, and embryo–fetal toxicity. Nurses should teach patients they will need repeated blood work to assess for laboratory abnormalities.