CALQUENCE ratings & reviews

Acalabrutinib
Company: AZN
Brand: CALQUENCE
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+2 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Antineoplastics, Small Molecule Antineoplastic Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitors

Sermo AI Overview

  • Calquence is generally well-tolerated by patients, with several specialists noting good compliance. However, while some report efficacy in small lymphocytic lymphoma, others have concerns about its effectiveness compared to other treatments.
  • Physicians highlight that Calquence has a good safety profile, causing fewer adverse effects compared to ibrutinib. However, concerns regarding its clinical data and mixed reviews on overall efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia remain.
  • In managing mantle cell lymphoma, Calquence is viewed as effective and safe, often compared favorably to ibrutinib, despite challenges with insurance coverage. Nonetheless, mixed reviews have emerged regarding its effectiveness in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cost-related concerns.
  • Many doctors recognize Calquence's efficacy in treating mantle cell lymphoma, but some express doubts about its clinical data backing when compared to other treatments, indicating variable perceptions of its value across indications.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

The brand name of the drug is CALQUENCE. The active ingredient is acalabrutinib in the form of acalabrutinib maleate. It is a kinase inhibitor. CALQUENCE is available as tablets for oral administration, with each tablet containing 100 mg of acalabrutinib (equivalent to 129 mg of acalabrutinib maleate). Key inactive ingredients include low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow tablets whole. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to. Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 3 hours late. If it is more than 3 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding -Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing -Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue -Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Headache -Joint pain -Muscle pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Bleeding disorder -Having or recent surgery -Heart disease -High blood pressure -Infection -Irregular heartbeat or rhythm -Liver disease -Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots -An unusual or allergic reaction to acalabrutinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Certain antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin -Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis -Certain medications for cancer, such as apalutamide, ceritinib, enzalutamide, idelalisib, mitotane, ribociclib, tucatinib -Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole -Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin -Certain medications for stomach problems, such as cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole -Diltiazem -Grapefruit juice -Lonafarnib -Lumacaftor; ivacaftor -Mifepristone -Nefazodone -St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication. This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding. This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medication. You should not have major dental surgery while on this medication. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this medication. Take good care of your teeth while on this medication. Make sure you see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 1 week after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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