Calquence (Acalabrutinib 100MG)

Description

Calquence (Acalabrutinib 100mg) is the generic name for the trade name drug Calquence. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Calquence when referring to the generic drug name acalabrutinib. Drug Type: Acalabrutinib is a targeted therapy. Acalabrutinib inhibits the function of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) (for more detail, see “How Acalabrutinib Works” below). What Acalabrutinib Is Used For The treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. The treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful. How Acalabrutinib Is Given Acalabrutinib is a 100 mg capsule, taken by mouth twice daily. Take acalabrutinib approximately 12 hours apart at the same time each day. Swallow acalabrutinib capsules whole with at least 8 ounces of water. Do not crush, open, chew or dissolve capsules. Take acalabrutinib with or without food. If you miss a dose by more than 3 hours, omit that dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time; do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose. The amount of acalabrutinib that you will receive depends on many factors including your general health or other health problems, other medications you may be taking, and severity or tolerance of side effects. Your doctor will determine your exact dosage and schedule. Side Effects Important things to remember about the side effects of acalabrutinib: Most people will not experience all of the acalabrutinib side effects listed. Acalabrutinib side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration, and severity. Acalabrutinib side effects are almost always reversible and should improve after treatment is stopped Acalabrutinib side effects may be quite manageable. There are many options to minimize or prevent the side effects of acalabrutinib. There is no relationship between the presence and/or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication. Always report side effects to your healthcare provider. The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking acalabrutinib: Headache Diarrhea These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving acalabrutinib: Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding. Fatigue Bruising Muscle pain Nausea Rash Abdominal pain Constipation Vomiting A rare, but potentially serious side effect of acalabrutinib is heart rhythm changes (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Not all side effects are listed above. Side effects that are very rare – occurring in less than about 10 percent of patients – are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. When to Contact Your Health Care Provider Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms: Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills Shortness of breath, cough or trouble breathing Any bleeding that won’t stop The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency.