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Overview: Calquence is used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by blocking a certain protein that leads to the growth of cancer cells. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. Serious side effects may include infection, bleeding problems, and heart rhythm changes. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, any unusual bleeding or bruising, or changes in your heart rate or rhythm. Calquence is available as either a capsule or tablet that you take by mouth.

Uses

What is Calquence used for?

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of cancer that affect a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. These types of cancer include the following.

Learn more about Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With Calquence.

Calquence may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Calquence work (mechanism of action)?

Calquence targets a protein called bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which leads to the growth of cancer cells. Calquence is a BTK inhibitor that blocks BTK, which stops cancer cells from growing.  

How is Calquence supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Calquence

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral capsules
  • 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Calquence?

Calquence should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Calquence?

The most common side effects of Calquence are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Bruising

There may be other side effects of Calquence that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Calquence?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Calquence are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calquence may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Calquence and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections. Calquence can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. If you are at a higher risk of an infection, your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help prevent this. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Bleeding Problems. Calquence can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Calquence.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • Unexpected bleeding or bleeding you cannot control
  • Dizziness, weakness, confusion, or changes in your speech
  • Long-lasting headaches
  • Bruising

Blood Disorders. Calquence can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). Keep all appointments for blood work. Stop taking Calquence and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

New Cancers. Calquence may increase your chances of developing a new cancer, such as skin cancer. Keep all appointments with your health care provider and protect yourself from the sun while you are taking Calquence. 

Heart Rhythm Changes. Calquence may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Calquence. Keep all appointments for blood work. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Calquence?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Calquence.

  • Acalabrutinib
  • Calquence
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Calquence.

What should I know about Calquence before using it?

Do not take Calquence unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Separate your Calquence doses by about 12 hours.

Do not share Calquence with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Calquence out of the reach of children.

Avoid situations that can increase your risk of becoming hurt and increase your risk of bleeding. Talk with your health care provider about the use of medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner.

Swallow Calquence whole with a glass of water. If you are taking Calquence capsules, do not break, chew, or open the capsule. If you are taking Calquence tablets, do not chew, cut, crush, or dissolve the tablet. Do not switch between Calquence capsules and tablets.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Calquence?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Calquence is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have had a recent surgery or plan on having surgery. Your health care provider may stop Calquence for a period of time for certain upcoming surgical procedures.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Bleeding problems
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • High blood pressure
  • An infection
  • Liver problems, including hepatitis B

Other Medicines and Supplements. Calquence may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Calquence, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Calquence may cause harm to a fetus or problems during childbirth. Your health care provider may do a pregnancy test before you start Calquence. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking Calquence and for at least one week after your last dose. Talk to your health care provider about your birth control options. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking Calquence and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Calquence passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Calquence?

For more information about Calquence, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.calquence.com or call them at 800-236-9933.

Interactions

Does Calquence interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Calquence and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Calquence, but both Calquence and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Calquence interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Calquence.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex) 
  • An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid) 
  • An antacid containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium 

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Calquence. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Calquence. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Calquence?

If you or someone else has used too much Calquence, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Calquence?

If you miss a dose of Calquence, you can still take the medicine for up to 3 hours after the time you would normally take it. If it has been more than 3 hours after the time you would normally take the medicine, skip your missed dose and take the dose at your next scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.