Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Calquence (Acalabrutinib).
Anemia: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Bleeding: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Fatigue/reduced alertness: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) may cause fatigue or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Calquence (Acalabrutinib) affects you.
Heart rhythm: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) can cause an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. If you experience symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Hepatitis B reactivation: People who have hepatitis B infection that is dormant may experience the infection returning, as a result of a weakened immune system. If you have a history of hepatitis B infection, discuss with your doctor how Calquence (Acalabrutinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this mediation, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of worsening liver function, such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Infection: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). This may lead to serious and sometimes deadly infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood. If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections.Â
Other cancers: Rarely, people who take Calquence (Acalabrutinib) experience other types of cancer. Most commonly, this is Skin Cancer, but other non-blood cancers may occur. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using Calquence (Acalabrutinib). PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision changes, trouble thinking, personality changes, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.
Surgery: Tell all the health care professionals involved in your care that you are taking Calquence (Acalabrutinib). Some doctors may suggest you stop taking Calquence (Acalabrutinib) for a short period of time before or after surgery.
Pregnancy: Calquence (Acalabrutinib) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Calquence (Acalabrutinib), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Calquence (Acalabrutinib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Calquence (Acalabrutinib), it may affect your baby. Breast-feeding should be avoided until at least 2 weeks after taking the last dose of medication.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Calquence (Acalabrutinib) have not been established for children.