Acalabrutinib: how to take it safely
Calquence
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and some lymphomas.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water. Do not open, crush or chew.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole unless your doctor agrees. Antacids must be taken 2 hours apart.
- Grapefruit and Seville oranges.
- Blood thinners unless your doctor approves.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Headache, diarrhoea, bruising, tiredness, muscle pain.
Get help if
Palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, fainting, bleeding that does not stop, black stools, or fever with signs of infection: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.