Calquence (Acalabrutinib ) for Lymphoma

Overview
Calquence is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. It is also approved for previously untreated MCL in combination with bendamustine and rituximab in patients who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Additionally, it is approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Calquence is also known by its drug name, acalabrutinib.

Calquence is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that works by blocking Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal white blood cells. By inhibiting BTK, Calquence helps prevent lymphoma cells from growing and spreading.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Calquence is taken orally approximately every 12 hours, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and should not be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or cut. If a dose is missed by more than three hours, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken as scheduled. The drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Calquence include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, musculoskeletal pain, lower respiratory tract infections, and fatigue. Blood-related side effects include decreased neutrophil counts, decreased lymphocyte counts, decreased platelets, and anemia (low red blood cell count).

Rare but serious side effects may include severe hemorrhage (bleeding), serious infections, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), second primary malignancies (new cancers such as skin and solid tumors), and hepatotoxicity (liver damage, including drug-induced liver injury).

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Label: Calquence — Acalabrutinib Capsule, Gelatin Coated — DailyMed