Calquence® Capsules for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Calquence is a targeted cancer medicine for adults with certain B‑cell lymphomas. It treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related conditions, and it is also used in mantle cell lymphoma. This page explains how it works, dosing basics, safety, and access with US shipping from Canada, including options for patients without insurance.

What Calquence Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Calquence® (acalabrutinib) belongs to a class called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. It binds to BTK and helps block signaling that drives abnormal B‑cell growth and survival. By reducing this activity, the treatment can slow disease activity and support blood count recovery. It can be used alone or with certain anticancer medicines as directed on the official label.

This medicine is taken by mouth. Swallow each capsule whole with water. Do not open, break, or chew the capsule. Food does not meaningfully change exposure for the capsule formulation, but follow the label or your clinician’s instructions.

For additional background on the condition and therapy class, see our overview of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. It is also indicated for adults with mantle cell lymphoma in specific situations described on the label. Cancer care is individualized, so your clinician will determine when this therapy is appropriate.

Acalabrutinib capsules are generally avoided in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to any component. People with a history of significant bleeding, heart rhythm problems, uncontrolled infections, or active hepatitis B need careful evaluation. Discuss pregnancy planning and breastfeeding, as the medicine may harm an unborn baby.

Dosage and Usage

Standard schedules are outlined in the prescribing information. Many adults take the same dose twice daily, about 12 hours apart, on a continuous schedule. The capsule is swallowed whole with water. If you use antacids, take the capsule at least two hours before or after them to maintain absorption.

Acalabrutinib 100 mg is a commonly used strength. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s guidance for schedule specifics and any adjustments.

Capsule absorption can be affected by acid-reducing medicines. Proton pump inhibitors may lower exposure to the capsule; H2 blockers should be separated by at least two hours; antacids should be spaced as noted above. Your clinician may choose an alternative plan if you need chronic acid suppression.

Avoid grapefruit or Seville oranges, which can change levels of this medicine. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without checking for interactions.

Strengths and Forms

This product is available as oral capsules. The most common presentation is Calquence 100 mg in bottles. Some markets also have tablet versions; availability varies by pharmacy and country. Your exact option depends on stock and your prescription.

Formulation options can affect how the medicine is taken with other drugs, so review the label included with your fill. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, alert your clinician and pharmacist for alternatives.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed by more than three hours, skip that dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose. If vomiting occurs after a dose, do not take an additional capsule; resume at the next scheduled time.

Take doses consistently, about 12 hours apart when prescribed twice daily. Setting phone alarms or using a pill organizer can help maintain a consistent rhythm.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules at room temperature in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Keep them dry and away from direct light. Do not transfer the capsules into weekly pill boxes unless your pharmacist confirms it is safe to do so. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the labeled container in your hand luggage and bring a copy of your prescription. If crossing borders, keep the medicine in original packaging to avoid delays. Our pharmacies use temperature-controlled handling when required, but this product is typically shelf‑stable at normal room temperatures.

If the container is damaged or pills look different than expected, contact your pharmacist before taking additional doses.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This guidance does not apply because this therapy is supplied as capsules, not an injection or pen. No sharps disposal is needed.

Benefits

BTK inhibition targets a key pathway in abnormal B‑cells. As a result, the therapy can reduce lymph node size and improve blood counts over time for appropriate patients. Oral dosing allows at‑home treatment, which can reduce clinic infusion visits compared with IV options. Combination use with certain agents may be appropriate based on the label and your clinician’s plan.

Because it is taken chronically, consistent daily use and monitoring are important for sustained benefit. Your care team may check blood counts and assess for infection risks.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, muscle aches, bruising, cough, and upper respiratory symptoms. Decreased blood counts such as neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia may occur and are monitored with labs. Skin rash can develop in some patients.

• Headache or mild dizziness
• Diarrhea or stomach upset
• Fatigue or muscle pain
• Bruising or minor bleeding
• Cough or sore throat
• Rash or skin changes

Serious risks include severe infections, significant bleeding, atrial fibrillation or flutter, high blood pressure, and second primary cancers including skin cancers. Rare brain infection has been reported with some therapies in this class; seek urgent care for new neurological symptoms. Before surgery or dental procedures, your clinician may advise pausing therapy to lower bleeding risk.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A inhibitors (such as certain antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, or antivirals) can raise drug levels; strong inducers (such as rifampin or St. John’s wort) can lower them. Acid-reducing agents interact with the capsule formulation as noted above. Using anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents may increase bleeding risk. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or stomach irritation.

Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use. Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges. Vaccines may be less effective during therapy; ask about timing for needed immunizations.

What to Expect Over Time

This therapy is usually taken until disease progression or intolerable side effects. Early in treatment, lymphocyte counts may temporarily rise as cells shift from lymph nodes to the blood; this can be expected with BTK inhibitors and typically stabilizes with ongoing use. Your clinician will check labs periodically and assess for side effects, infections, and blood pressure changes.

Consistent adherence supports the best chance of benefit. If you miss doses often, discuss reminders, travel packs, or schedule adjustments with your care team.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options in the class or pathway include ibrutinib and PI3K inhibitors, among others. Some patients may switch within the class due to tolerability or specific clinical factors. Two options we carry:

• Imbruvica® – a BTK inhibitor used in several B‑cell malignancies
• Zydelig® – a PI3K inhibitor used in certain relapsed settings

Your clinician will compare response goals, interactions, and side-effect profiles when choosing among therapies. Historical medicines like chlorambucil are still used in select cases, though newer options are common.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacies often offer competitive rates compared with some local options. Check our site for the latest Calquence price and availability. We list current options clearly so you can review details before adding to cart.

If you are comparing across brands and generics, you can also review the Acalabrutinib price information on the product page. Fulfilment includes verification of your prescription and Ships from Canada to US for eligible orders.

Looking for ways to reduce spend? See our seasonal Promotions page for current offers where applicable. Final out-of-pocket amounts depend on your prescriber’s directions, the selected quantity, and your chosen pharmacy partner.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and region. If this item is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative in the same class or a different pathway. We will not substitute without a valid prescription specifying an alternative.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults diagnosed with eligible B‑cell malignancies who can commit to regular oral dosing and monitoring. People with uncontrolled infections, significant bleeding disorders, or recent major surgery need individualized evaluation. Those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss risks and contraception requirements.

• Multi-month fills: reduce pharmacy fees and travel time
• Refill reminders: set alerts to avoid gaps
• One prescriber, one pharmacy: lowers interaction risk
• Ask about generics: options vary by market and timing
• Coordinate labs: align refill timing with clinic visits

For learning resources on this therapy class and condition background, see our article on Cancer Treatment and our condition pages linked above. Questions about delivery or checkout? Our site uses encrypted checkout to protect your information.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Therapy goals: what lab or symptom changes will we track?
• Combination plan: will this be used alone or with other medicines?
• Bleeding risk: should I pause before dental or surgical work?
• Infection prevention: what vaccines or precautions are recommended?
• Heart monitoring: how will we watch for rhythm changes?
• Drug interactions: how should I time acid reducers or antacids?
• Sun safety: should I change my skin protection routine?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Prescribing Information

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Buy Calquence online through Border Free Health for verified access and US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping. Always use as directed by your clinician. This information is educational and does not replace medical advice.