When you or a loved one is prescribed a new drug to treat cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and curious. Especially when you hear a name like Acalabrutinib, you may be wondering, "What kind of drug is this? What's going on in it ?" Don't worry. That's exactly what we're talking about in this article. We'll talk about this drug in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Acalabrutinib?
Simply put, Acalabrutinib is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma. In our country, this drug is available under the brand name CALQUENCE.
This is not like traditional cancer drugs. This works as a "targeted therapy." That is, this drug directly targets a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow and spread. When this protein stops working, the cancer cells' ability to grow is reduced, or they die completely. In this way, this drug helps control cancer.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting acalabrutinib, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have a bleeding disorder (e.g., blood clotting disorders).
- If you have recently had surgery or are planning to have it in the future.
- If you have heart disease , high blood pressure , or an irregular heartbeat .
- If there is an existing infection .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you are taking blood thinners to prevent or treat blood clots.
- If you have allergies to acalabrutinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding .
By providing this information accurately to your doctor, he will be able to treat you more safely and effectively.
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water .
- Never break, crush, or chew this capsule. Swallow it whole.
- If you experience side effects, your doctor may ask you to change the dose of the medication or stop taking it for a while. Do not stop taking the medication or change the dose for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice.
- If you are taking gastric medications (antacids or H2-blockers), take them 2 hours before or after taking Acalabrutinib.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is more than 3 hours late , skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Acalabrutinib can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you may be taking. So tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Below are just a few of the things that can cause problems.
| What can cause problems? | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Stomach acid-reducing medications | Medicines like Cimetidine, Famotidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole. Antacids. |
| Some antibiotics | Medicines such as Clarithromycin and Rifampin. |
| Antifungals | Drugs like Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole. |
| Medicines for epilepsy | Drugs like Carbamazepine and Phenytoin. |
| Herbal products | Products like St. John's Wort. |
| Food and drink | Grapefruit juice. |
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Acalabrutinib can cause side effects. Some are minor, while others require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Infections | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating. |
| Anemia | Feeling unusually tired or weak, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Other common disorders | Diarrhea, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea. |
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
Dental health
Before you start taking this medicine, it is a good idea to see a dentist and have your teeth checked. Your doctor may advise you to avoid major dental surgery during treatment. Also, keep your teeth clean.
Sun protection
Some people may have a slightly increased risk of developing other types of cancer (especially skin cancer) while taking this medicine. Therefore, wear well-covering clothing and use sunscreen when going out in the sun.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is very important: Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least a week after stopping the medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping the medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always swallow the acalabrutinib capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- If you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection (fever, chills), tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid taking this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Acalabrutinib (Calquence) capsules are an extremely expensive drug used to treat which disease?
This is no ordinary pill! This is a highly effective and powerful (Bruton Tyrosine Kinase - BTK Inhibitor) targeted cancer drug that is newly discovered for patients with cancer such as 'Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)' and 'Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which are the most powerful and severe blood cancers that develop in the white blood cells of the blood (B-cell), and for those who have not received any other treatment!
💬 When blood cancer cells grow uncontrollably, how does taking these pills (Calquence) destroy the cancer?
In order for blood cancer cells to spread and survive, a special enzyme called 'BTK' must send a message/signal! As soon as this medicine enters the body, it goes to the 'BTK' machine that feeds/spreads the cancer and blocks it completely and permanently (Irreversibly binds) and locks it. As soon as the signal is lost, all those cancer cells stop spreading (Inhibits B-cell proliferation), the cancer dies and the patient recovers.
💬 What are the fatal dangers and side effects that people taking this cancer drug (Acalabrutinib) should definitely be aware of?
The most serious danger of this drug is that it impairs the blood clotting system, so for no reason, the patient can have a 'fatal hemorrhage' in the brain or intestines and die suddenly (that's why blood thinners/Warfarin are prohibited)! The other biggest danger is that it completely weakens the immune system, so even a minor bacterial infection can cause the patient to go into a coma (Severe Infections). It can also cause a serious disease where the heart beats like crazy (Atrial Fibrillation).
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