What Is Calquence tablets Used For?

Calquence tablets contain acalabrutinib, which belongs to a group of anti-cancer medicines called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. These medications are specifically designed to treat certain types of blood cancers.

Primary Uses

Calquence tablets are used to treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), a type of blood cancer that affects the lymph nodes. It’s prescribed for patients who are not planning to have a stem cell transplant and have not been previously treated, or for patients who have had at least one other treatment. It’s also used for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), a type of blood cancer that affects lymphocytes (a certain type of white blood cell) and the lymph nodes.

How It Works

BTK is a protein in the body that helps cancer cells to grow. Calquence works by blocking BTK, which may help to reduce the number of cancer cells and may slow the spread of the cancer.

How to Take Calquence tablets

Your doctor has prescribed Calquence film-coated tablets specifically for you. It’s important to follow the instructions exactly as provided and continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is one 100 mg tablet twice a day. Take doses about 12 hours apart at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water – do not chew, dissolve, divide, or crush the tablets. You can take Calquence with or without food. The blister pack has sun and moon symbols to help you track whether you’ve taken your morning (sun) and evening (moon) doses.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose by more than 3 hours, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Take your medicine at about the same time each day for the best effect.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• bruising, bleeding, including nose bleeds
• diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• infection signs including fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
• muscle, joint and bone pain
• rash
• headache, dizziness
• high blood pressure
• feeling very tired (fatigue)

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before and while taking Calquence tablets.

Who Should Not Take Calquence tablets

Do not use Calquence tablets if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to acalabrutinib or any of the ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin. There is not enough information to recommend use for children or adolescents under 18 years.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding or bleeding disorders, infections (bacterial, viral and/or fungal), any liver problems, liver infection (Hepatitis B), heart rhythm problems (such as atrial fibrillation), or if you have recently undergone surgery or are planning any surgery or medical/dental procedures.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Calquence tablets may harm your unborn baby. You should not take Calquence if you are pregnant and should not get pregnant while taking it. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after your final dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your final dose, as it is not known if Calquence passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Calquence tablets and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.

• Medicines used to control heart rhythm disturbances (e.g. amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
• Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin)
• Medicines to treat fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
• Medicines used to treat HIV infection (e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir/ritonavir or fosamprenavir)
• Medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection (e.g. telaprevir)
• Medicines used to prevent seizures or to treat epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• St. John’s wort – a herbal medicine used to treat depression
• Methotrexate, a medicine used to treat other cancers or immune disorders
• Medicines used to control blood sugar in patients with diabetes (e.g. metformin)
• Medicines used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions (e.g. aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen)
• Medicines used to prevent blood clots (e.g. aspirin, warfarin)

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Calquence tablets affects you, as it may cause dizziness, weakness or tiredness in some people.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Calquence tablets affects you. Calquence may cause dizziness, weakness or tiredness in some people.

Storage

Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep Calquence tablets away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, in the car or on windowsills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Overdose Information

If you think that you have used too much Calquence tablets, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions