Calquence® (acalabrutinib) 100 mg Capsules for CLL and MCL

What Calquence® Is and How It Works

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The usual strength is Calquence 100 mg in capsules or tablets. Many people compare options such as calquence cost and calquence monthly cost, including calquence without insurance, when planning therapy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba; our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, and we provide brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices along with OTC health products.

We source through licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand products, a wide selection, and competitive pricing.

Acalabrutinib blocks BTK to reduce B‑cell receptor signaling. This slows growth and survival of malignant B cells. Calquence is taken by mouth, usually 100 mg every 12 hours, and continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. It can be used alone or, in CLL/SLL, with an anti‑CD20 antibody such as obinutuzumab. The medicine may be taken with or without food.

The FDA first approved acalabrutinib for MCL and later for CLL/SLL. Health authorities in several regions have similar approvals. Ask your oncology team which regimen fits your diagnosis and prior therapy.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dose: 100 mg twice daily (every 12 hours). Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water.
• Do not open, crush, or chew capsules. Do not cut or crush tablets.
• Food: may be taken with or without food. Avoid grapefruit or Seville oranges.
• Acid-reducing drugs: with capsules, avoid proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If an antacid is needed, separate by at least 2 hours. If using an H2 blocker, take Calquence 2 hours after the H2 blocker. Tablets may be used with PPIs; follow the product dispensed and your prescriber’s instructions.
• Missed dose: if a dose is missed by more than 3 hours, skip the dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up.
• Vomiting after a dose: do not take an extra dose; take the next dose at the regular time.
• Drug interactions: strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers may require dose changes or avoidance. Many antifungals, certain antibiotics, and seizure medicines are involved.
• Bleeding risk: use caution with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs; discuss peri‑procedural holds before surgery or dental work.

• Store Calquence at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are allowed.
• Keep in the original container to protect from moisture. Close the cap tightly. Keep away from children and pets.
• Travel: pack in your carry‑on with a copy of your prescription. Keep the bottle dry and out of direct heat or sunlight.
• Do not store in a bathroom. Avoid pill organizers if moisture is a concern; ask your pharmacist first.
• Reorder early. You can set simple email reminders in your account so you do not run out.

Benefits and Savings

Acalabrutinib is a selective BTK inhibitor. Many patients experience high response rates and durable control in CLL/SLL and relapsed MCL. Compared with first‑generation BTK inhibitors, acalabrutinib was designed to reduce some off‑target effects. Tablets allow flexibility when acid‑reducing therapy is needed.

Buying through a Canadian pharmacy can lower treatment costs. You may see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. We offer competitive Calquence price options and can support multi‑month supplies when appropriate, which may reduce the per‑month cost. Savings can help those paying out of pocket, including calquence without insurance.

For extra savings, check our calquence coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches, joint pain
• Bruising or minor bleeding
• Upper respiratory tract infection, cough
• Rash
• Low blood counts (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
• Hypertension

Serious risks can include major hemorrhage, serious infections, atrial fibrillation/flutter and other heart rhythm problems, severe cytopenias, and second primary cancers (including skin). Use caution with antithrombotic agents. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. Acalabrutinib may cause fetal harm; effective contraception is advised during treatment and after the last dose as directed. Do not breastfeed during therapy.

Onset Time

Response timing varies by condition and prior therapy. In CLL/SLL, lymph nodes often start shrinking within the first 1–3 months, though lymphocyte counts may rise transiently at the start. In relapsed MCL, responses can appear within weeks to a few months. Full benefit is usually assessed over several cycles as dosing stabilizes.

Your oncology team will schedule lab tests and imaging to monitor response and safety over time.

Compare With Alternatives

Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is another BTK inhibitor taken once daily. It has extensive real‑world use across CLL/SLL and MCL but may carry more off‑target inhibition, which can affect tolerability for some patients.

Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a newer BTK inhibitor with head‑to‑head data versus ibrutinib in CLL. It is dosed once or twice daily and may have differing side‑effect patterns. Choice among BTK inhibitors depends on prior therapy, comorbidities, and drug interactions.

Venclexta (venetoclax), a BCL‑2 inhibitor, is an oral alternative often combined with an anti‑CD20 antibody in CLL. It uses a ramp‑up schedule and has a different side‑effect profile than BTK inhibitors.

For other oncology needs, YouDrugstore also supplies targeted agents such as Zytiga® and Xospata®, and you can browse our Cancer category to see more options.

Combination Therapy

• CLL/SLL: acalabrutinib may be used with obinutuzumab in first‑line settings under specialist supervision.
• CLL/SLL: combinations with venetoclax are being used in practice and studied; schedules and monitoring are intensive.
• MCL: typically used as monotherapy in relapsed disease; combinations are under investigation.
• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets: prescribers may adjust timing or hold therapy before procedures to reduce bleeding risk.
• CYP3A modulators: dose adjustments or alternatives may be considered to manage interactions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Acalabrutinib is intended for adults with CLL/SLL or MCL. It is not established in children. People with active bleeding, recent major surgery, uncontrolled infections, or significant heart rhythm issues may need careful risk assessment. Severe liver impairment requires caution. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid treatment.

To manage out‑of‑pocket costs, consider a longer supply when permitted, which can lower the monthly average. Turn on simple reorder reminders in your account so you do not miss a dose. Our team can discuss available brand presentations, like capsules or tablets, to align with your therapy plan and budget, including options for calquence without insurance.

Authoritative Sources

Calquence (acalabrutinib) US Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Calquence

FDA approval announcement for acalabrutinib in CLL/SLL

Order Calquence® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the dispensing label.