Acalabrutinib

Say it: a-KAL-a-BROO-ti-nib · Brand names: Calquence

Acalabrutinib is a targeted pill that blocks a protein some blood cancer cells need to grow and survive.

What it is

B cells are a type of white blood cell. In some blood cancers, B cells grow out of control. Acalabrutinib blocks a protein called BTK (Bruton tyrosine kinase) that these cancer cells need to grow and survive. It is designed to hit BTK more precisely, which may mean fewer heart side effects than some older medicines like it.

Often used for

• chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
• mantle cell lymphoma

How you get it

Acalabrutinib is a tablet you take by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. It may be taken alone or with other medicines, sometimes for a set time and sometimes for as long as it keeps working. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Headache, often in the first weeks. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe. Caffeine or acetaminophen may help.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
• Muscle or joint aches. Gentle stretching and warm baths may help.
• Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
• Bruising easily. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Cold symptoms or infections. Wash your hands often.
• Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood
• A severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking
• A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain

Before you start, tell your team

• If you take blood thinners, aspirin or other medicines that raise bleeding risk
• If you are having surgery, dental work or another procedure, since you may need to pause this medicine for a few days. Your team will tell you when
• If you have heart rhythm problems
• If you have liver problems or hepatitis B
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements

Good to know

• Acalabrutinib raises the risk of bleeding. Your team will tell you when to stop it around surgery.
• Serious infections can happen. Your team may give medicines to prevent some infections.
• Heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, can happen.
• You will have regular blood tests to check your blood counts.
• Skin cancers are more common. Use sunscreen, cover up in the sun, and have your skin checked.

At home

• Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with water. You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or split them.
• If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
• Store at room temperature, away from children and pets.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• What can I take for headaches?
• Should I stop it before surgery or dental work?
• Which of my other medicines could interact with it?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Low platelets and bleeding
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.