Health Library

Acalabrutinib (By mouth)

Acalabrutinib (a-kal-a-BROO-ti-nib)

Treats mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

Brand Name(s):

Calquence

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not open, dissolve, crush, break, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, and it is less than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, take it as you normally would. If you miss a dose, and it is more than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how acalabrutinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, metformin, methotrexate, rifampin, or stomach medicine (including rabeprazole).
• If you are using an antacid (including calcium carbonate), take it at least 2 hours before or after using this medicine.
• If you are using an H2 receptor blocker (including famotidine or ranitidine), take it 2 hours after using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
• Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B), bleeding problems, heart rhythm problems, or any infection. Tell your doctor if you have had a recent surgery or plan to have surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Increased risk for new cancers (including skin cancer)
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Liver problems
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024