Key facts about Acalabrutinib
What dosages is Acalabrutinib available in?
Acalabrutinib is available as a 100 mg oral tablet.
What is Acalabrutinib used for?
Acalabrutinib is a kinas inhibitor that is used to treat:
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
How does Acalabrutinib work?
Acalabrutinib is a specific type of kinase inhibitor called a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. BTK is a protein that helps MCL, CLL, and SLL cancer cells grow uncontrollably and survive. By targeting and blocking BTK, it stops cancer cell growth.
How do I take Acalabrutinib?
The typical starting dose of Acalabrutinib is 100 mg taken by mouth twice a day (about 12 hours apart).
- Your dose might be different if you experience certain side effects. It might also differ if you’re taking certain medications that might interact with Acalabrutinib
Is it safe for me to take Acalabrutinib?
Acalabrutinib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Acalabrutinib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Acalabrutinib:
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Low white blood cells
- Low platelets
- Respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Rash
- Nausea
- Bruising
- Bleeding
Acalabrutinib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Acalabrutinib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections: body aches, chills, fever, headache, new cough, sore throat, feeling tired
- Serious bleeding: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away; large amount of bleeding; throwing up blood; blood in the urine; bloody or black, tarry stool
- Heart rhythm problems: fast heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Acalabrutinib
The following medications may interact with Acalabrutinib:
- Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration with Acalabrutinib
- Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Reduce the dosage of Acalabrutinib
- Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid co-administration with Acalabrutinib. If co-administration is unavoidable, increase the dosage of Acalabrutinib
Who makes Acalabrutinib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Acalabrutinib safe in pregnancy?
Acalabrutinib may harm your unborn baby and cause problems during childbirth (dystocia). If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider may do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Acalabrutinib. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Acalabrutinib and for 1 week after the last dose of Acalabrutinib.
