Acalabrutinib

Why is acalabrutinib prescribed?

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a quickly progressing malignancy that starts in immune system cells, is treated with acalabrutinib in patients who have received at least one additional chemotherapy drug. It is also used to treat small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL; a form of cancer that starts in the white blood cells) (SLL: a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells). Acalabrutinib belongs to the group of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It functions by preventing the aberrant protein from signaling the growth of cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancerous cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Acalabrutinib is available as a pill to swallow. It is typically taken every 12 hours (twice a day), with or without food, for however long your doctor suggests you receive treatment. Acalabrutinib should be taken every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Administer acalabrutinib exactly as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

With a glass of water, swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or break them.

Depending on the negative effects you experience, your doctor may shorten or discontinue your acalabrutinib medication altogether. Make careful to discuss your feelings during treatment with your doctor. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking acalabrutinib.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Acalabrutinib may cause side effects.

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• rash
• light bruising or small red or purple spots on skin
• joint or muscle pain
• extreme tiredness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms stop taking acalabrutinib and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• cough, shortness of breath, chest pain when you breathe or cough, fever
• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain
• unusual or severe bleeding or bruising
• blood in your stools or black, tarry stools; pink or brown urine; vomiting blood or coffee ground vomit; coughing up blood
• feeling dizzy, weak, or confused; changes in speech; headache that lasts a long time

Acalabrutinib may increase your risk of developing other cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Acalabrutinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

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• February 16th, 2023