Overview
Calquence is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of leukemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow). People with CLL who may benefit from Calquence include both those who have not received prior treatment and those who have previously been treated for their condition. Calquence is also approved for certain types of lymphoma, but its use in leukemia refers specifically to CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Calquence is also known by its drug name, acalabrutinib.

Calquence is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of a specific enzyme called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is involved in the survival and growth of leukemia cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, Calquence helps slow the progression of leukemia.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Calquence is taken by mouth as a tablet about every 12 hours. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. The tablets should not be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or cut. Calquence should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Calquence include upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, headache, and musculoskeletal pain (pain affecting the muscles, ligaments, and tendons). Common laboratory changes may include decreased absolute neutrophil count (a type of white blood cell), increased uric acid, decreased absolute lymphocyte count, and decreased platelets (cells that help blood clot).

Rare but serious side effects may include serious and opportunistic infections (infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems), hemorrhage (bleeding), cytopenias (low levels of blood cells), second primary malignancies (new cancers, including skin cancers and other tumors), cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and hepatotoxicity (liver damage, including drug-induced liver injury). People taking this medication are advised to use sun protection to reduce the risk of certain skin cancers, and liver function and blood counts should be monitored during treatment.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Calquence (Acalabrutinib) Tablets, for Oral Use — AstraZeneca