Acalabrutinib

Acalabrutinib is a chemotherapy drug used to treat lymphoma, such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) . Acalabrutinib is also used to treat blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Acalabrutinib works by inhibiting protein kinase, an enzyme that plays a role in the growth of cancer cells. This drug can stop the growth and division of cancer cells, thus preventing cancer from spreading and enlarging.

It should be noted that this drug cannot eliminate cancer, but only inhibits its development. This drug, which is available in capsule form, needs to be taken daily in the long term. Acalabrutinib should only be used after consulting a doctor.Acalabrutinib brand name : Calquence

Warnings Before Taking Acalabrutinib

Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking acalabrutinib:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Acalabrutinib should not be used by people who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, infectious disease , heart rhythm disorders ( arrhythmias ), or blood clotting disorders,
• Tell your doctor if you are or have ever been pregnant, are breastfeeding, may become pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
• Use birth control while taking this medication until at least 1 week after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about which birth control is right for you.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products. The goal is to avoid unwanted drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking acalabrutinib if you are planning to have any medical procedure, including dental surgery.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking acalabrutinib. Use sunscreen and cover your clothes when going outside during the day.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects after taking acalabrutinib

Acalabrutinib Dosage and Usage Rules

The following are common doses of acalabrutinib for treating mantle cell lymphoma that has not improved with other treatments, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

• Dosage: 100 mg twice daily (12 hours between doses)
• Duration: the drug is taken every day, unless symptoms worsen or very disturbing side effects appear.

How to Take Acalabrutinib Correctly

Follow your doctor’s instructions and read the package instructions before taking acalabrutinib. Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor’s approval.

For maximum treatment results, pay attention to the following method of consuming acalabrutinib:

• Take acalabrutinib before or after meals.
• Swallow acalabrutinib capsules whole with water. Do not chew, split, or crush the capsules.
• Perform checks according to the schedule given by the doctor so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. While taking acalabrutinib, you will be asked to undergo regular blood tests.
• If you vomit after taking acalabrutinib, call your doctor right away. You may need to take acalabrutinib again.
• If you forget to take acalabrutinib but it is less than 3 hours past your scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 3 hours, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose.
• Acalabrutinib may cause your skin to burn more easily from the sun. Therefore, use sunscreen and cover your skin when you are outdoors during the day. Call your doctor if you experience severe sunburn while taking this medication.
• Store acalabrutinib at room temperature, dry, away from direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.

Acalabrutinib Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are some drug interaction effects that can occur if acalabrutinib is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin or other blood thinners
• Increased risk of side effects from acalabrutinib if used with antibiotics or antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole , flucanozole, erythromycin , or rifampicin
• Increased risk of side effects from acalabrutinib when used with diltiazem
• Decreased effectiveness of acalabrutinib when used with omeprazole , lansoprazole, or  rabeprazole

Acalabrutinib Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that can arise after taking acalabrutinib, namely:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Joint painMuscle stiffness or cramps
• Nauseous
• Vomit
• Stomach ache
• Difficulty moving

See a doctor if the above symptoms do not subside or even worsen. Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects below:

• Headache
• Fever
• Increased amount of menstrual blood
• Hard to breathe
• Body aches and pains
• Nosebleed
• Difficulty or pain when urinating
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Urine is red or dark brown
• Black stool
• Shortness of breath or inability to swallow

SOURCE:
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Cancer Research UK (2021). Acalabrutinib.
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