Calquence (acalabrutinib)
AstraZeneca · BTK Inhibitor (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor)
What is Calquence? Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor by AstraZeneca used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
About Calquence
| Brand Name | Calquence |
| Generic / INN | acalabrutinib |
| Drug Class | BTK Inhibitor (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor) |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca |
| Administration | Oral capsule |
| FDA Approval | 2019 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Calquence
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) — adult patients
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) — adult patients
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) — adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy
How Does Calquence Work?
Acalabrutinib is a selective, covalent BTK inhibitor. It binds irreversibly to the Cys481 residue of BTK, blocking BTK-mediated signaling in the B-cell receptor pathway. This inhibits proliferation and survival of malignant B cells. Calquence has higher selectivity for BTK compared to ibrutinib, which may reduce off-target effects.
Dosage & Administration
100 mg orally twice daily (approximately every 12 hours), with or without food. Taken as capsules whole — do not open, break, or chew. Dose modifications may apply for toxicity or drug interactions (particularly with CYP3A inhibitors/inducers).
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Serious and fatal hemorrhagic events reported. Serious infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). Cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. Second primary malignancies. Tumor lysis syndrome. Embryo-fetal toxicity. Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers where possible.
- Serious hemorrhage
- Serious infections (opportunistic)
- Atrial fibrillation / flutter
- Second primary malignancies
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Bruising
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Arthralgia
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Neutropenia
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep in original container.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Calquence is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Calquence. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D covers this oral specialty medication. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Calquence
Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a second-generation BTK inhibitor by AstraZeneca approved for CLL, SLL, and MCL. It works by blocking the BTK signaling pathway that malignant B cells depend on for growth and survival.
Calquence is taken as 100 mg oral capsules twice daily, approximately every 12 hours. Capsules should be swallowed whole — not opened or chewed. It can be taken with or without food.
Both are BTK inhibitors, but Calquence (acalabrutinib) has higher BTK selectivity. In clinical studies, Calquence has shown a lower rate of atrial fibrillation and certain off-target effects compared to ibrutinib, though both are effective for approved indications.
Calquence is covered by most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D as an oral oncology agent. Prior authorization is virtually always required. BiologicHealthPlus can handle the prior authorization process.
Acalabrutinib maleate monohydrate is the salt form of acalabrutinib used in the capsule formulation of Calquence. Generic versions (such as Acalieva) are also available as acalabrutinib maleate monohydrate 100 mg capsules.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Imbruvica (ibrutinib) · Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) · Venetoclax · Obinutuzumab
Related Conditions
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) · Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) · Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)