Acalabrutinib

May 05, 2021

Where is Acalabrutinib used?

Acalabrutinib is a medication used for the treatment of adult patients with:

  • Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

This drug is a small molecule Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks a particular enzyme from working. It slows the development of cancer cells that is present. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription for medical use.

How does Acalabrutinib work?

Acalabrutinib inhibits the activity of BTK or Bruton’s tyrosine kinase. It inhibits the beginning of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. This stops both BTK-mediated and B-cell activation and the activation of downstream survival pathways. As a result, it leads to an inhibition of the development of malignant B cells that overexpress BTK.

How is Acalabrutinib taken?

The recommended dosage of this medication will depend on your medical condition and age. This medicine is usually taken two times a day, 12 hours apart. Each dose is taken by mouth either with or without food. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a full glass of water.

Take this by mouth with or without food. It is taken usually 2 times a day with 12 hours apart. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break it. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly unless directed by your doctor. To help you remember taking the medicine regularly, take it at the same time each day.

A medication that reduces stomach acid may make Acalabrutinib work less properly. If you need to take an antacid, take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take a dose of Acalabrutinib. Also, if you are taking an H2 blocker, take Acalabrutinib at least 2 hours before an H2 blocker medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions.

What are the possible side effects of Acalabrutinib?

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle aches
  • Severe dizziness

What are the precautions in taking Acalabrutinib?

  • If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using this medication. You must tell your doctor if you have any allergies or you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug.
  • Do not use this for any other treatment without any recommendation.
  • This may make you feel dizzy, avoid driving or using machinery.
  • Tell to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. If you get pregnant while having this treatment, call your doctor right away.
  • Consult your doctor first before taking a dose of this medicine if you have any present medication including vitamins or herbal supplements.
  • Do not share your medicine with others who have the same conditions as yours.
  • This may increase your risk for other cancers like skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning booths. Inform your doctor right away if you had sunburned or skin redness.
  • This can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid being close with people who are sick.
  • Do not expose this tablet to heat. Store at room temperature.