What side effects can Calquence (acalabrutinib) cause?
Calquence commonly causes side effects tied to its mechanism as a BTK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase) inhibitor. The most frequently reported effects include fatigue and infections, alongside blood-related changes such as low blood counts (which can increase infection risk) [1].
Other side effects can include:
- Headache [1]
- Diarrhea or constipation [1]
- Nausea [1]
- Muscle or joint pain [1]
- Bruising or bleeding symptoms, which can occur with platelet changes [1]
What serious side effects should patients watch for?
Patients are typically advised to seek urgent medical care for symptoms that could signal severe infection, bleeding, or other complications. Key serious risks include:
- Serious infections, including pneumonia or infections that require hospitalization [1]
- Bleeding events (for example, unusual or heavy bleeding) [1]
- Abnormal blood counts (neutropenia/anemia/thrombocytopenia), which may come with fever, unusual bruising, or weakness [1]
- Second primary cancers (reported with BTK inhibitors, including skin cancers) [1]
If you tell me what symptoms you’re experiencing and your dose schedule, I can help you think through which ones are more concerning and what questions to ask your clinician.
Who is more likely to get side effects with Calquence?
Risk can vary by patient factors and baseline health. Side effects that involve immune function and blood counts may be more likely when someone already has low blood counts or frequent infections, and bleeding-related issues can be more likely with conditions or medicines that raise bleeding risk [1]. Your prescriber may also adjust monitoring based on other medications and prior treatment history.
What about Calquence and infections—how do they show up?
Infections are a core concern with BTK inhibitors. Signs to watch for include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or symptoms that worsen quickly. Because low white blood cells can contribute, infections may appear alongside lab abnormalities like neutropenia [1]. Seek prompt care for fever or breathing symptoms.
Can Calquence cause bleeding or bruising?
Yes. Calquence can affect blood counts, including platelets, which can lead to bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or heavier-than-usual bleeding. Patients are usually told to contact their clinician if they notice unusual bleeding or develop symptoms that don’t stop [1].
Are there drug interactions that affect side effects?
Some drug interactions can increase Calquence levels or change bleeding/infection risks. For example, strong CYP3A inhibitors can raise acalabrutinib exposure, and certain medicines that affect bleeding risk (such as some antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapies) can increase bleeding concerns [1]. Your pharmacist or prescriber can screen your full medication list.
How can side effects be managed while on Calquence?
Management usually depends on the specific side effect and severity. Clinicians may recommend:
- Monitoring blood counts regularly
- Supportive care for symptoms like headache, diarrhea, or fatigue
- Dose interruption or dose adjustment for significant blood count suppression or severe adverse events [1]
If you share the side effect and when it started, I can help identify the typical “threshold” questions clinicians use (for example, whether a lab check or urgent evaluation is more appropriate).
Are side effects different in chronic lymphocytic leukemia vs mantle cell lymphoma?
Calquence is used in both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and adverse-event patterns are broadly similar because the drug’s action is the same. Some differences can occur due to patient populations and dosing context, but the core risks like infections and blood count changes still matter in both settings [1].
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Sources
[1] AstraZeneca. Calquence (acalabrutinib) Prescribing Information. https://www.calquence.com/prescribing-information.html