What it is used for
- Treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma under a specialist plan
- Treating mantle cell lymphoma in patients who meet the authorised criteria
- Use alone or in a treatment combination selected by the oncology team
How it is used
- Take it only as prescribed by the oncology specialist at the regular time set by the team, with or without food
- Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush, open or dissolve it
- Do not switch between capsules and tablets yourself because the formulation and acid-medicine instructions can differ
- If a dose is missed or you vomit after taking it, follow the oncology team's instructions and do not replace it yourself
- Attend blood and liver tests and follow-up visits, and do not stop treatment before a procedure or because of a side effect unless the team directs
Possible side effects
- Headache, tiredness or dizziness
- Diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
- Bruising or minor bleeding
- Muscle or joint pain
- Infection or reduced blood-cell counts
Who should not use it
- Allergy to acalabrutinib or any ingredient in the product
- Use of a live vaccine or a strongly interacting medicine without review by the oncology team
Before and while using it
- Get urgent help for bleeding that does not stop, black stools, vomiting blood, a sudden severe headache or weakness on one side
- Fever, chills, persistent cough or a painful rash may signal a serious infection or viral reactivation
- Blood cells or platelets can fall; regular tests are needed and the specialist may adjust the plan
- Tell the team about palpitations, an irregular pulse, chest pain or breathlessness because abnormal heart rhythm can occur
- Protect skin from sunlight and report skin changes, as skin cancers and other new cancers can occur during treatment
- Yellow skin, dark urine or severe upper abdominal pain needs prompt assessment for possible liver injury
Medicine interactions
- Antifungals, antibiotics, some antiviral and epilepsy medicines, and herbs such as St John's wort can greatly alter its level
- Anticoagulants, antiplatelets and anti-inflammatory medicines can increase bleeding risk, and warfarin is generally not used with it
- Acid-reducing medicines can affect absorption of some formulations; follow the pharmacist's instructions for the capsule or tablet
- Tell the oncology team about every medicine, supplement and vaccine before starting it
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It may harm an unborn baby; tell the oncology team if you are pregnant or could become pregnant, and use the contraception they advise
- Do not breastfeed during treatment or until the team says it is safe after treatment ends
How to store it
- Keep it in its original pack as the leaflet directs, away from moisture, heat and children's reach, and return unused medicine to the pharmacy
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.