Acalabrutinib is an anticancer medicine containing the active constituent acalabrutinib. It belongs to a class of drugs called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Acalabrutinib was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 31, 2017, to treat adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior therapy. It was later approved by the FDA on August 17, 2020, for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Acalabrutinib is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). MCL, CLL, and SLL are cancers of the white blood cells called lymphocytes that are part of the immune system.

Acalabrutinib is typically administered through injection by a healthcare provider. The specific method of administration may vary depending on the condition being treated and the healthcare provider's instructions. If a dose is missed, the patient should contact their healthcare provider for further instructions.

Common side effects may include headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and muscle aches. Serious side effects may include bleeding, infections, heart rhythm problems, and lung inflammation. Acalabrutinib may also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.

Acalabrutinib carries several warnings regarding its potential risks and side effects. The medication may increase the risk of serious infections, bleeding, irregular heart rhythms, and lung inflammation. It may also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer, particularly skin cancer. Patients with a history of heart disease, bleeding disorders, or liver disease may be at increased risk of experiencing complications while taking it.

Before starting treatment, patients should inform their healthcare provider of any medical conditions, including heart disease, bleeding disorders, or liver disease. It can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should avoid activities that may increase the risk of injury, such as contact sports, and inform their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual bleeding or bruising. Patients should also inform their dentist and healthcare provider if they need a dental procedure, as acalabrutinib can increase the risk of bleeding.

If you have been prescribed Acalabrutinib, it is important to carefully read and understand the warnings and precautions associated with the medication. Patients require monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction. It can cause high blood pressure. Patients should check their blood pressure regularly. Report to your doctor if you develop a lesion or change in the appearance of an area on the skin. It increases the risk of infection, so patients should avoid close contact with infected persons. Patients with diabetes require close monitoring during treatment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment. Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.

1. AstraZeneca, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Oct 2017], [ Accessed on 5th May 2023],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/210259s000lbl.pdf
2. John C Byrd et al; Acalabrutinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: updated phase 2 results; Blood; Published on April 2020; [Accessed on5th May 2023];  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31876911/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.