Calquence Dosage Guide: Forms, Strengths, Usage Instructions, and More

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a prescription medication designed to treat particular blood cancers. It is administered orally in tablet form, typically taken twice daily, about every 12 hours.

This medication is approved for use in adults with the following conditions:

• Mantle cell lymphoma after at least one prior treatment attempt
• Small lymphocytic lymphoma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

For small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Calquence may be prescribed alone or combined with another drug called Gazyva (obinutuzumab).

The active compound in Calquence is acalabrutinib, which is responsible for its therapeutic effects.

This article provides detailed information on Calquence’s dosage forms, strengths, and administration guidelines. For a comprehensive overview of Calquence, refer to our in-depth resource.

Important note: The dosages discussed here are standard recommendations from the manufacturer. Always follow the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Calquence Dosage Overview

Below is an outline of typical dosing regimens for Calquence.

Available Forms of Calquence

Calquence is available as an oral tablet.

Previously, Calquence was offered in capsule form, but this has been discontinued due to potential interactions with certain heartburn medications like antacids. For more details, see the "Ask a Pharmacist" section below.

Strength of Calquence Tablets

Each Calquence tablet contains 100 milligrams (mg) of acalabrutinib.

Typical Dosage Guidelines

Your doctor will initiate treatment with a specific dose and adjust it based on your response and tolerance. The following dosages are commonly prescribed, but your healthcare provider will tailor the regimen to your individual needs.

In some cases, dose modifications may be necessary. See the "Factors Influencing Dosage" section for more information.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Dosing

The standard dose for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is 100 mg taken orally every 12 hours. Treatment usually continues as long as the medication remains effective and safe.

If severe side effects occur or if the treatment loses effectiveness, your doctor may discontinue Calquence.

Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Dosing

For small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), the recommended dose is also 100 mg every 12 hours. This is maintained as long as the medication is beneficial and well-tolerated.

For patients who have not received prior treatment, Calquence may be combined with Gazyva (obinutuzumab).

When prescribed together, Calquence is taken before Gazyva, which is administered via intravenous infusion at a healthcare facility.

Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on dosing schedules for both medications.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Dosing

The usual dose for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is 100 mg taken every 12 hours. This regimen continues as long as the treatment remains effective and safe.

For untreated CLL, Calquence may be used alongside Gazyva, with Calquence taken first and Gazyva given intravenously in a clinical setting.

Your healthcare provider will explain the timing and dosages for both drugs.

Long-Term Use of Calquence

Calquence is generally prescribed as a long-term therapy. If deemed safe and effective, you may continue treatment for an extended period.

Your doctor will regularly assess your response and adjust treatment as necessary.

Adjusting Dosage

Dose adjustments might be necessary based on your health status, side effects, or interactions with other medications. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage modifications.

Some drugs can affect how Calquence works, so it's important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Calquence.

Factors That Can Influence Your Dosage

Your prescribed dose may vary depending on:

• Concurrent medications that interact with Calquence
• Underlying health conditions, such as severe liver disease or hepatitis B
• Development of serious side effects

How to Take Calquence

Swallow Calquence tablets whole with water. You may take them with or without food, but always use water to swallow the tablet.

Do not split, chew, crush, or dissolve the tablets.

If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, consult resources or your healthcare provider for assistance.

For guidance on storage, expiration, and disposal of Calquence, refer to specialized resources.

Accessibility Options for Medication Packaging

If you have trouble reading medication labels, ask your doctor or pharmacist about options such as:

• Labels with larger print or braille
• QR codes that convert text to audio via smartphone apps

Pharmacies may also offer easy-open containers if you have difficulty opening standard bottles. Discuss these options with your pharmacist.

Missed Dose Instructions

If you miss a dose and it has been less than 3 hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible.

If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase side effect risks.

To help remember doses, consider setting alarms, using timers, or downloading medication reminder apps.

Overdose Guidance

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage of Calquence, as overdosing can cause serious adverse effects.

Steps to Take in Case of Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor immediately. You may also reach out to poison control centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online resources. For severe symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.

Questions to Discuss With Your Doctor

The manufacturer’s recommended dosages serve as guidelines, but your doctor will prescribe the dose best suited for you.

Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. Always take Calquence exactly as directed.

Consider asking your doctor:

• Can a lower dose of Calquence still effectively treat my condition?
• Will my dose be increased if the current regimen is ineffective?
• Should the dosage be reduced if I experience side effects?

For further information, explore these resources:

• Calquence (acalabrutinib) Overview
• Understanding Calquence Costs
• Calquence Drug Interactions and Alcohol Considerations
• Calquence Side Effects Explained

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Pharmacist Consultation

Q:

Do I need to reduce my Calquence dose if I’m taking antacids?

Anonymous

A:

No dose reduction is typically required when taking Calquence tablets alongside antacids. Unlike the discontinued capsule form, the tablet form does not interact with antacids.

The capsule form of Calquence could reduce the drug's effectiveness when taken with antacids, which is why the manufacturer switched to tablets.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions with Calquence tablets.

The Healthline Pharmacist Team provides medical opinions for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline strives to provide accurate, comprehensive, and current information. However, this content is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication. Drug information may evolve and does not encompass all possible uses, warnings, or side effects. Absence of certain warnings does not guarantee safety or suitability for all patients.

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