Calquence (acalabrutinib) is prescribed to treat various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. This includes MCL (mantle cell lymphoma) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy and patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL).
Acalabrutinib is an inhibitor of bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK is involved in many cell functions, including cell signaling, growth, and division. In patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, these enzymes may be too active or present at high levels. Blocking them may help prevent the cancers from growing.
Dosage
The dosage and regimen is set by a doctor. The usual dosage is one capsule twice each day, about 12
hours apart. Do not break or chew the capsules. If antacid medicines are being taken, they must be taken either two hours before or two hours after Calquence.
If a scheduled dose was forgotten, it can be made up for within three hours past the usual dosing time; otherwise, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time and consult a doctor. Do not double-dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
Calquence should not be taken while pregnant. Women who are of childbearing age should use
effective contraception during treatment with Calquence and for at least one week after the final dose.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Calquence do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Calquence because they assess that the benefits of such treatment outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Muscle and joint pain
- Bruising
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Bleeding
Some rare but more serious side effects may occur. In these cases, consult a doctor immediately:
Bleeding problems can be serious. The risk of bleeding may increase for people taking blood thinner medicine. Inform the doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of bleeding, including:
- Blood in the stools or black stools (looks like tar)
- Pink or brown urine
- Unexpected bleeding, severe bleeding, or bleeding that cannot be controlled
- Vomit blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. It is more common in people who have a weakened immune system.
The most common symptom is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.