Acalabrutinib
INFORMATION ABOUT ACALABRUTINIB
Acalabrutinib Uses
Acalabrutinib is used in the treatment of blood cancer, pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), gastrointestinal stromal tumour, cancer of colon and rectum, non-small cell lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and breast cancer.
How Acalabrutinib works
Acalabrutinib works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that promotes the multiplication of cancer cells. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
Common side effects of Acalabrutinib
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Upper respiratory tract infection, Low blood platelets, Headache, Diarrhea, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
CONTENT DETAILS
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 06:01 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Acalabrutinib
Expert advice for Acalabrutinib
- Before taking Acalabrutinib, tell your doctor about other medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.).
- Avoid the use of antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
- You may be at risk of infection, so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and immediately report fever or any other signs of infection to your doctor.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- Drink plenty of water every 24 hours after the start of the treatment.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea and take adequate rest.
- Avoid contact sports or other situations where you may bruise or get injured since this medicine increases the risk of bleeding. Also, tell your doctor about any planned surgeries or dental procedures while taking Acalabrutinib.
- Acalabrutinib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Acalabrutinib
Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side effects of Acalabrutinib. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid salty, spicy, fried, or fatty food items. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.
Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can also have soup and juice frequently to hydrate yourself.
You can continue with your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. However, it is advisable to sip water regularly to prevent dehydration, eat small, simple but nourishing snacks every few hours rather than large meals, and suck on hard candy or popsicles to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes and dry and itchy skin. Avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen (SPF of more than 15) whenever you step outdoors. Do not go swimming if you have a rash because the chlorine in the water can make it worse. Avoid hot water baths and wear loose and cotton fabric clothes. Your skin will tend to become better once treatment is stopped.
You may experience bleeding from gums due to a drop in the number of platelets (blood cells) in your blood. These blood cells help the blood clot when we bruise ourselves.
Various things can help you to reduce tiredness and cope with it, for example, gentle exercise. However, always consult your doctor before doing any kind of exercise. Q. Can Acalabrutinib be taken with obinutuzumab?
Your doctor will prescribe blood tests to check your levels of blood cells and how well your liver and kidneys are working.