Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a prescription drug approved to treat certain blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Calquence comes as an oral tablet.
Specifically, Calquence is used in adults to treat:
To learn more about Calquence’s uses, see the “Uses for Calquence” section.
Calquence basics
Calquence contains the active ingredient acalabrutinib. It belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors.
Calquence is a brand-name medication. A generic version of the drug isn’t currently available.
Calquence is used to treat CLL, SLL, and MCL in certain adults.
| Description | Symptoms | |
|---|---|---|
| CLL | type of cancer that affects white blood cells in bone marrow (the tissue inside bones) | • fatigue (low energy) • fever or chills • frequent infections or illness |
| SLL | type of cancer that affects white blood cells in lymph nodes (part of your immune system, which helps you fight infections) | • unexplained weight loss • painless swelling in the neck, armpit, and groin • shortness of breath |
| MCL | type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that occurs when white blood cells begin to grow abnormally and reproduce quickly (abnormal cells are usually found in lymph nodes, bone marrow, digestive tract, and blood) | • fever or night sweats • digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting • feeling generally unwell |
For MCL, Calquence may be used on its own in adults who have received at least one other medication to treat MCL.
Calquence can also be used in adults with MCL who are not eligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and have not received other medication for MCL. In these cases, Calquence is used in combination with bendamustine (Treanda) and rituximab (Rituxan).
How it works
Calquence works by blocking the growth of the abnormal white blood cells.
It does this by blocking a protein called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). This protein helps white blood cells grow. By blocking BTK, Calquence helps reduce the growth of white blood cells. This kills the abnormal white blood cells that are causing the cancer.
Like most drugs, Calquence may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects Calquence may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Calquence. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Calquence and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Calquence can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Calquence’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Calquence that have been reported include:
- digestive system issues, such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal pain
- headache
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
- rash
- conditions caused by low levels of different types of blood cells, such as:
- thrombocytopenia (low platelet level)
- neutropenia (low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
- lymphopenia (low level of lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell)
- anemia (low red blood cell level)
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Calquence can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Calquence, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Calquence that have been reported include:
- heart rhythm problems, including atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation
- serious infection or severe bleeding problems due to low blood cell levels
- new tumors or cancers, such as skin cancer
- liver damage
- serious bleeding
Allergic reactionFor some people, Calquence can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might helpIf you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Calquence treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Calquence, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
The Calquence dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Calquence to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Form and strength
Calquence is available as an oral tablet in one strength of 100 milligrams (mg).
Recommended dosages
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Calquence that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Dosage for CLL, SLL, and MCL
For treatment of CLL, SLL, and MCL, your doctor will likely prescribe 100 mg (one tablet) taken every 12 hours.
For CLL and SLL that have not been treated before, your doctor may recommend also receiving obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in combination with Calquence. For MCL that hasn’t been treated before, certain adults may take Calquence in combination with bendamustine (Treanda) and rituximab (Rituxan). Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosing schedule with Calquence and any other medications.
To learn more, see this Calquence dosage article.
About taking Calquence
The following are some common questions about taking Calquence.
- Can Calquence be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Calquence tablets. You should swallow them whole. If you have trouble doing so, you can get tips on how to swallow pills or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Should I take Calquence with food? You can take Calquence with or without food.
- Is there a best time of day to take Calquence? Calquence is taken twice per day. It’s best to take it around the same times each day on a consistent schedule. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps Calquence work effectively.
- What if I miss a dose of Calquence? If you miss a dose of Calquence and it’s been less than 3 hours, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s been more than 3 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
- Will I need to use Calquence long term? Calquence is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
- How long does Calquence take to work? Calquence begins to work after you take your first dose. But you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will order tests throughout your treatment to check whether Calquence is working to treat your condition.
Overdose
Do not take more Calquence than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Calquence. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Calquence can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Before taking Calquence, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
For more information, see this Calquence interactions article.
Interactions with medications, foods, and supplements
The following table highlights medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Calquence. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Calquence. If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
| Medications that can interact with Calquence | • drugs that block the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as ketoconazole • drugs that speed up the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) • drugs affected by BCRP, such as ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) |
|---|---|
| Vitamins or supplements that can interact with Calquence | St. John’s wort |
| Foods that can interact with Calquence | grapefruit |
Note: CYP3A4 is an enzyme that breaks down certain drugs in your body. BCRP is a transport protein that moves drugs in and out of cells in your body.
Calquence and alcohol
Alcohol is not known to interact with Calquence.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor to determine whether it’s safe for you to consume it during Calquence treatment.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Calquence. What you’ll pay for Calquence may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.
Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:
- Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Calquence. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
- Generic form: Calquence is not available as a generic drug.
- Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, the manufacturer of Calquence, offers two programs that may help save on the cost of the drug: the Calquence Co-Pay Savings Program and the AstraZeneca Access 360 program. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-275-2360 or visit these websites.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Calquence.
Pregnancy and Calquence
Calquence should not be taken during pregnancy. There are no studies of Calquence in pregnant people, but there have been animal studies. In these studies, the drug caused decreased body weight in fetuses and bones were slower to form.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this drug. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Calquence.
Birth control and Calquence
Calquence should not be taken during pregnancy. Therefore, if you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re taking Calquence.
Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
For females taking Calquence
If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend using a form of birth control during your Calquence treatment. You may also need to continue taking birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose of Calquence.
For males taking Calquence
The manufacturer of Calquence hasn’t provided any birth control recommendations for males who take the medication.
If you’re a male who’s taking Calquence and your sexual partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can discuss your birth control needs during and after your treatment.
Calquence and breastfeeding
Calquence should not be taken while breastfeeding. You should also not breastfeed for at least 2 weeks after your last dose of medication.
There are currently no human studies on breastfeeding and Calquence. In animal studies, Calquence was present in breast milk.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.
Before taking Calquence, discuss your health history with your doctor. Calquence may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- liver problems, such as hepatitis B
- heart problems
- bleeding problems
- infection
- upcoming surgery, including dental procedures
- previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Calquence, see the “Side effects of Calquence” section.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Calquence’s side effects.
Is Calquence chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
No, Calquence isn’t a type of chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Calquence is a type of targeted therapy. Targeted therapies work in specific areas of the body to treat certain kinds of cancer.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are treatments for cancer that can affect your whole body. There can be many side effects with these drugs, such as hair loss, because they work on cells throughout the body that grow quickly. Calquence is a targeted therapy, so it can limit the side effects that you may have.
If you have questions about Calquence, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What do I need to know about Calquence and sun exposure?
Some people taking Calquence develop new types of tumors or skin cancer.
You can help reduce your risk of skin cancer by protecting your skin from the sun. This includes applying sunscreen and wearing a hat while outside.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about sun exposure and Calquence.
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Calquence, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.
The following drugs are similar to Calquence:
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.