| Common Brands | Calquence |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Kinase inhibitor
|
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Calquence (brand name; generic: acalbrutinib) is an immunotherapy, which is usually prescribed to treat particular cancer types. These are certain blood cancers, for instance, CLL and MCL. Calquence falls in the class of BTK inhibitors. This type of targeted therapy functions by disturbing a signaling pathway that drives cell growth and survival for tumor cells.
Calquence has been established to have success in controlling multiple cancers and is generally recommended once other treatments are not adequately effective or patients are considered not to be candidates for chemotherapy.
Calquence is usually administered orally in capsule form. The usual dose varies from 100 mg per day to twice a day, but this may depend upon the medical condition of the patient and how the patient responds to the treatment. It has to be taken according to the prescription given by the healthcare professional.
Steps to administer:
Take Calquence exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take more or less dose without consulting your doctor.
Take with or without food: Calquence can be taken along with or without food. It is advisable to take along with food if you develop gastrointestinal discomfort in order to reduce irritation.
Swallow capsules whole: Never try to open, crush or chew the capsules. Always swallow them whole with a glass of water.
Take Calquence at roughly the same time every day. This helps to keep a regular rhythm, so you do not forget doses. Take the missed dose when you remember it if it has not almost been time for your next dose. Never take two doses together for one you missed.
Calquence is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is an important enzyme in the signaling pathway of B-cells. Inhibiting BTK leads to the disruption of activation of B-cells involved in the immune response. In CLL and MCL, these B-cells become malignant and begin multiplying uncontrollably.
This action not only stops the proliferation of cancerous B-cells but also prevents them from metastasizing or developing new tumors. Calquence is a highly selective BTK inhibitor, meaning it selectively targets cancerous B-cells and spares most normal cells, which would result in a more focused treatment approach with potentially fewer side effects.
Similar to all drugs, Calquence may cause adverse effects, though not everyone is likely to experience them. Common adverse effects of Calquence include:
Low Blood Cell Counts: Calquence can cause a reduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, and thereby increase infections, anemia, or even bleeding.
Infections: Being an immune system drug, the patient will have a chance of developing infections, either respiratory infection, urinary infection, among others.
Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea are observed in a patient who is undergoing treatment using Calquence.
Headache: A few patients with Calquence can develop a headache.
Fatigue: You might feel much more tired or weak, which is another side effect.
Bleeding Risk: Calquence may increase the risk of bleeding, including serious bleeding events. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking other medications that affect bleeding.
Infections: Calquence can increase the risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs of infections and advise them to avoid exposure to people with contagious illnesses.
Liver Function: Calquence may cause liver enzyme abnormalities in some patients, and your doctor might monitor your liver function.
Heart Problems: As Calquence can affect heart rhythms, patients with heart conditions such as arrhythmia must inform their doctor about heart problems before starting this drug.
Pregnancy and Lactation: There are no contraindications on pregnancy use. However, there may be a hazard to the fetus. It is not known if Calquence crosses into human milk. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended for women.
CYP3A Inhibitors & Inducers – Strong CYP3A inhibitors (like ketoconazole) can increase Calquence levels, raising the risk of side effects, while CYP3A inducers (like rifampin) can reduce its effectiveness.
Antacids & PPIs – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole may reduce Calquence absorption, lowering its efficacy.
Blood Thinners – Combining Calquence with anticoagulants (like warfarin) increases bleeding risk.
Immunosuppressants – Drugs like corticosteroids may alter Calquence’s effects, impacting immune response.
The typical recommended dose of Calquence is 100 mg twice a day. However, the actual dose may vary depending on a patient’s individual factors, including the type of cancer being treated, the patient’s health condition, and how they react to the medication.
Your doctor may adjust your dose if you experience side effects or if you have other medical conditions that may require a dose adjustment.
Calquence is an antineoplastic, so it is prescribed; one needs to see a healthcare provider before administering this medicine. To ensure it’s the right treatment for you, a doctor will check up on your medical history, conduct necessary tests, and prescribe Calquence to fit your needs.
Follow-up visits and constant monitoring are essential to observe whether or not the treatment is working as well as being watched out for potential side effects.
What is Calquence?
How does Calquence work?
What conditions is Calquence used to treat?
Who should not take Calquence?
What is the typical dosage of Calquence?
What are the possible side effects of Calquence?
Can I take Calquence if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
How is Calquence taken?
Are there any drug interactions with Calquence?
How should Calquence be stored?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Calquence?
Can Calquence be taken with food?
Is Calquence a chemotherapy drug?
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Calquence?
How effective is Calquence in treating CLL and MCL?
Do I need regular monitoring while taking Calquence?
What if I am undergoing other cancer treatments?
Can Calquence be used in combination with other therapies?
Where can I obtain Calquence?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the head, scalp, and upper trunk, which are areas rich in sebaceous glands. Despite not being a fatal illness, the chronic nature of the disorder and its frequent flare-ups can greatly lower the person’s standard of life. The goal of this thorough investigation
For a considerable time, both scientists and medical experts have been fascinated by the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The gut-brain axis is a concept that has emerged from emerging research that highlights the deep relationship between both of these seemingly different organs. We will explore the elements, functions, and consequences associated
Food intolerances are becoming more widely acknowledged as serious health issues impacting people all over the world. In contrast to food allergies, which are immune system-related, food intolerances usually refer to the body’s incapacity to properly digest specific substances or dietary ingredients. This thorough review explores several kinds of food intolerances, such as fructose malabsorption,
