What is Calquence: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Calquence overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Calquence

Generic Names:

  • Calquence

Uses:

  • Treats mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Calquence used for?

What form(s) does Calquence come in

  • Capsule

What are common Calquence doses?

  • Capsule 100MG

Common Calquence prescriptions

  • Calquence
    100mg capsule

  • Calquence
    100mg tablet

How to take Calquence

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose, and it is less than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, take it as you normally would. If you miss a dose, and it is more than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose, and it is less than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, take it as you normally would. If you miss a dose, and it is more than 3 hours since your usual dosing time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Calquence

Calquence contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acalabrutinib.

Calquence warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems, heart rhythm problems, or any infection (including hepatitis B). Tell your doctor if you have had a recent surgery or plan to have surgery.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of bleedingIncreased risk of infectionIncreased risk for new cancers (including skin cancer)Heart rhythm problems

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Calquence interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how acalabrutinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, metformin, methotrexate, rifampin, or a proton pump inhibitor (including omeprazole).

  • If you are using an H2 receptor blocker (including famotidine or ranitidine), take it 2 hours after using this medicine.

  • If you are using an antacid (including calcium carbonate), take it at least 2 hours before or after using this medicine.

Calquence side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Muscle or joint pain

  • Headache