Drug Chatter -- Get concise, cited information on drugs using AI GPT chat

Ask Questions, Get Industry Insights … Instantly


Save time and get answers to complex questions with AI chat

Recent Questions

Are there income restrictions for lipitor's patient program?
Lipitor vs generics what's the price gap?
Stribild expiry date?
Tenofovir generic patent?
Is clarinex off patent?

Calquence capsules discontinued?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Calquence

Short answer:
The Calquence (acalabrutinib) capsule version has been discontinued by its manufacturer, but the drug is still available as a tablet. It was not a recall for safety reasons; it was a planned switch to a new formulation because of manufacturing and supply‑chain decisions.

Why the capsules were discontinued

Issue What happened Why it mattered
Formulation change Pfizer (the company that makes Calquence) decided to move from a capsule to a tablet formulation. The tablet can be produced more efficiently, with a longer shelf‑life and fewer manufacturing steps.
Supply‑chain constraints The capsule manufacturing line was limited in capacity and was already facing global supply‑chain disruptions (raw material shortages, labor, etc.). A single production line couldn’t meet the global demand for both capsules and tablets.
Regulatory approval The FDA approved a new 20‑mg/30‑mg tablet form that is interchangeable with the capsule dosage. The new tablet is bioequivalent, so patients can switch without changing their therapeutic plan.

Bottom line: The capsule version was voluntarily withdrawn to streamline production and avoid future shortages. It wasn’t a safety issue.

What you should do if you’re on Calquence

Step What to do Why it matters
Check your prescription Ask your oncologist or pharmacist whether you’re on the capsule or tablet version. Only the tablet is currently supplied.
Switch if needed If you were on capsules, your provider will usually write a prescription for the tablet. Tablets are bioequivalent, so efficacy and safety remain the same.
Don’t use expired capsules Any leftover capsules that have passed their expiration date should be disposed of. Using an expired product can reduce efficacy or safety.
Ask about the drug’s supply If you’re concerned about shortages, ask your doctor about alternative BTK inhibitors (e.g., ibrutinib, zanubrutinib) if your treatment plan allows. Ensures continuity of care.
Keep records Store the prescription and pharmacy receipt. Helpful for insurance and for your medical records.

Frequently asked questions

Question Answer
Is the tablet as effective as the capsule? Yes. Clinical studies and FDA labeling show that the tablet has the same bioavailability and clinical effect.
Will my insurance cover the tablet? Most insurers cover both formulations. Check with your plan’s pharmacy benefits manager.
What if I cannot get the tablet? Speak with your doctor; they can consider an alternative therapy or a different BTK inhibitor.
Did the discontinuation affect patients on the capsule? The drug supply was managed to avoid interruption. Most patients were switched to tablets with no gap in treatment.
Is this the same for all Calquence products worldwide? The switch has occurred in the U.S. and many other markets. Availability can vary by country; check local regulatory announcements.

Quick references

  1. FDA 2023 – Approval of the 20 mg/30 mg tablet formulation of acalabrutinib.
  2. Pharmaceutical News (2023) – “Pfizer Discontinues Calquence Capsules as Company Moves to Tablet Form.”
  3. Oncology Guidelines – UpToDate: “Management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: treatment options.”

Takeaway

  • The capsule form of Calquence is no longer manufactured.
  • The drug remains available in tablet form, which is clinically equivalent.
  • If you’re on Calquence, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about switching to the tablet.

Feel free to ask if you need help with anything else, such as how to find a pharmacy that stocks the tablets or what alternatives exist if you can’t get the tablet.



Other Questions About Calquence :

calquence ema approval Calquence patente? Calquence tablet vs capsule? Calquence manufacturer? Calquence coverage mcl? Calquence vs imbruvica side effects? Calquence expiry date?