Acalabrutinib
About Acalabrutinib
Acalabrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or cancer growth inhibitor that is primarily used to treat people with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have had at least one prior treatment for their malignancy (cancer), as well as adults with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Cancer is caused by a genetic mutation that causes our cells to divide uncontrollably and spread into neighbouring tissues.
Acalabrutinib contains Acalabrutinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are enzymes in the body that transmit signals to cells, telling them to grow and divide. Acalabrutinib inhibits these signals to cancer cells. Cells die when their signals are disrupted. This could help to slow the progression of the cancer.
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Acalabrutinib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. The most common adverse reactions are anaemia (lack of blood), neutropenia (low count of neutrophils), upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia (Low platelet level), headache, diarrhoea, and musculoskeletal pain. You should talk to your doctor if you persistently experience these side effects.
It is recommended not to use if you are hypersensitive to any component present in Acalabrutinib and suffer from Severe Hepatic Impairment. Acalabrutinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months after the treatment. Using effective contraceptive methods is recommended while on therapy with Acalabrutinib. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Uses of Acalabrutinib
Medicinal Benefits
Acalabrutinib is primarily used to treat people with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have had at least one prior treatment for their malignancy, as well as adults with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Acalabrutinib contains Acalabrutinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are enzymes in the body that send signals to cells, directing them to grow and divide. Acalabrutinib blocks these signals to cancer cells. Cancer cells die when their signals are interrupted. This could help to delay the progression of the cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acalabrutinib
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Fatigue
- Anaemia (lack of blood)
- Neutropenia (low count of neutrophils)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet level)
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Musculoskeletal pain (myalgia)
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Bruising
- Rash
- Haemorrhage (bleeding)
- Epistaxis (nosebleed)
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Acalabrutinib, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. If you are a woman capable of having children, you should use an effective method of contraception during Acalabrutinib treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. If you are a man, you should use a barrier method of contraception to prevent your partner from becoming pregnant while taking Acalabrutinib and for at least one week after the last dose. Unless the doctor suggests, do not use any other medicine, including herbal or vitamin supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Acalabrutinib may interact with Blood thinner medications (e.g. abciximab, apixaban), Vaccinations (e.g. BCG vaccine), Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. bromfenac, ibuprofen), HIV medications (e.g. cobicistat), Anticancer medications (e.g. dasatinib), antifungal medications (e.g. fluconazole) and medicines decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach (e.g. esomeprazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages, grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Acalabrutinib interacts with disease conditions, including arrhythmias, bleeding disorder, kidney or liver illness, infections (Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral), Immunodeficiency, and Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Acalabrutinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeAcalabrutinib should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAcalabrutinib should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionAcalabrutinib does not influence the ability to drive or use machines. However, go only if you are alert, as the Acalabrutinib may cause tiredness in some people.
Liver
cautionAvoid using Acalabrutinib in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The safety of Acalabrutinib has not been evaluated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. So, caution should be exercised while using Acalabrutinib in patients with liver impairment. If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking the Acalabrutinib. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Acalabrutinib.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Acalabrutinib in patients with kidney impairment. If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking the Acalabrutinib. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Acalabrutinib.
Children
cautionSafety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast, fried, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Keep all of your doctor's and laboratory appointments.
- Pregnancy testing is recommended prior to starting treatment with Acalabrutinib.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Mantle Cell lymphoma (MCL): Mantle Cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive, rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from cells originating in the “mantle zone.” The mantle zone is the outer ring of small lymphocytes surrounding the centre of a lymphatic nodule.
FAQs
Acalabrutinib is used to treat Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
Acalabrutinib contains Acalabrutinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are enzymes in the body that send signals to cells, directing them to grow and divide. Acalabrutinib blocks these signals to cancer cells. Cancer cells die when their signals are interrupted. This could help to delay the progression of the cancer.
While taking Acalabrutinib, make sure you visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure that treatment works. Regular monitoring of blood and lipid tests and weight checks are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking the Acalabrutinib.
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of tumour tissue and examining the cells under a microscope.
You can take the missed dose if you forget to take your acalabrutinib, which is less than 3 hours after your usual time. Then, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take your missed dose if more than 3 hours have passed. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missing one.
Acalabrutinib may cause nausea as a side effect. If you experience nausea, you can manage it by drinking plenty of clear liquids like water, fruit juices, or flat soda to prevent dehydration. Eat smaller, more frequent meals of bland foods that are easy to digest, like crackers, toast, or bananas. Avoid greasy, fried, sweet, or spicy foods. However, consult your doctor if nausea persists or worsens.
To relieve diarrhoea caused by Acalabrutinib, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and clear fluids. Follow a bland diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods that can make diarrhoea worse. Talk to the doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea.
Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking Acalabrutinib, as it may interact with the medication. Limit intake of alcohol as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult the doctor if you notice changes in your skin like rash, light bruising, and small red or purple spots on your skin after taking Acalabrutinib.
Acalabrutinib may cause bleeding gums due to reduced platelets. Try gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the issue persists, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
After starting treatment with Acalabrutinib, you may feel tired or weak. To cope with this, prioritize rest and pace yourself. Take breaks, nap if needed, and engage in gentle exercises like yoga or short walks. Stay hydrated, eat small, frequent meals, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
The doctor may advise regular blood tests before and during the treatment with Acalabrutinib to check blood count. Additionally, liver and kidney function tests may also be recommended by the doctor.
The common side effects of Acalabrutinib include anaemia (lack of blood), neutropenia (low count of neutrophils), upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia (Low platelet level), headache, diarrhoea, and musculoskeletal pain. You should talk to your doctor if you persistently experience these side effects.
