Frequently asked questions

Please remember that the results you will see are from a clinical trial and each patient's experience may differ. Speak with your doctor about what you may expect on treatment with CALQUENCE.

In a clinical study of 598 patients with newly diagnosed MCL who cannot receive auto-HSCT,* CALQUENCE + BR delayed cancer growth and spread by a median^† of ~5.5 years compared to a median of ~4.1 years^† with placebo + BR.

In another clinical study of 124 patients with previously treated MCL after a median^† follow-up of 38 months, 81% (101 of 124) achieved a response with CALQUENCE.^‡ The median^† duration of response was more than 2 years. This means half of the patients in the trial experienced an ongoing response to CALQUENCE (101 patients) for >29 months.

CALQUENCE can cause serious side effects including: serious infections, bleeding problems, decrease in blood cell count, new cancers, heart rhythm problems, and liver problems. Some may lead to death. Tell your doctor if you experience infections such as flu-like symptoms; unexpected bleeding such as blood in your stool or urine; heart rhythm problems such as fast or irregular heartbeat; or liver problems such as stomach pain, dark urine or yellowing of your skin. Use sun protection when outside. The most common side effects of CALQUENCE include diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, headache, muscle and joint pain, lower respiratory tract infection, and tiredness.

For more information on the efficacy results of CALQUENCE + BR and CALQUENCE alone, click here

*Auto-HSCT=autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (a type of stem cell transplant that uses patient’s own blood cells).

^†Median is the middle number in a group of numbers arranged from lowest to highest.

^‡CALQUENCE 100 mg by mouth approximately every 12 hours as a standalone therapy. Radiographic and other tests showed that their cancer reduced in size and did not spread.

BR=bendamustine and rituximab.

CALQUENCE+BR is indicated for previously untreated MCL patients.

CALQUENCE is taken as a 100 mg tablet by mouth 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or cut tablets. It’s important to take CALQUENCE exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.

If a dose of CALQUENCE is missed, take the dose as soon as possible. If it is more than 3 hours past usual dosing time, skip the missed dose and take the next dose of CALQUENCE at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

Bendamustine is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional at a clinic or hospital on days 1 and 2 of each treatment cycle for up to 6 cycles. Each cycle of treatment is 28 days or 4 weeks.

Rituximab is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional at a clinic or hospital on day 1 of each treatment cycle for up to 6 cycles. If a response is achieved during the first 6 cycles, rituximab may be administered on day 1 of every other cycle starting at cycle 8 and ending at cycle 30. Each cycle of treatment is 28 days or 4 weeks.

For previously treated MCL, CALQUENCE can be taken at home or on the go. Take one 100 mg tablet by mouth 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart). CALQUENCE tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or cut tablets. It’s important to take CALQUENCE exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.

If you miss a dose of CALQUENCE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 3 hours past your usual dosing time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose of CALQUENCE at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

Some common side effects with CALQUENCE may be managed at home. It’s important to have an open dialog with your doctor about side effects since they are the most familiar with your medical history and are best positioned to help manage side effects.

CALQUENCE may interact with prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Interactions may affect how CALQUENCE works or may cause side effects. Depending on the medication, your doctor may need to adjust your therapy. Do not change your dose or stop taking CALQUENCE unless your healthcare provider tells you to. It is important to give your doctor a complete list of medications that you are taking, including all nutritional supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a blood thinner medicine.

Common medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements that may interact with CALQUENCE*

*Does not represent all possible examples. Please ask your doctors if you have any questions.

^†Ritonavir and cobicistat are medications usually given in combination with other drugs for conditions including HIV and HCV.

You will receive your CALQUENCE prescription from a specialty pharmacy. This will be coordinated by your care team, and you will receive your prescription from either the pharmacy of your doctor’s office or from one of AstraZeneca’s in-network Specialty Pharmacy Providers.

Once your doctor sends your prescription to a selected specialty pharmacy, you or your caregiver will receive a phone call (or text) from the pharmacy to arrange pickup at your doctor’s office or delivery from a pharmacy. The pharmacy will also contact you to make sure you understand how to take your medication, what to expect, and possible side effects before you get started. If a copay is required, the pharmacy will discuss payment options with you.

CALQUENCE is covered by most commercial, Medicare, and government insurance plans. The AstraZeneca Access 360™ program can help you understand your benefits and help obtain coverage. To learn more, please call 1-844-ASK-A360 (1-844-275-2360), Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM ET or visit www.MyAccess360.com.

Yes, the CALQUENCE Copay Savings Program can help eligible commercially insured patients with their out-of-pocket costs. Patients may pay as little as $0* per month for CALQUENCE. There are no income requirements to participate in this program.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can help you enroll in the program and file claims on your behalf. For more information about eligibility requirements, please call 1-844-ASK-A360 (1-844-275-2360), Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM ET or visit www.AZPatientSupport.com.

If you are facing affordability challenges, CALQUENCE is supported by the AZ&Me™ Prescription Savings Program, a free drug program for qualified patients with Medicare or no insurance. To learn more about this program, please visit www.AZandMe.com.

Yes, our real patient stories feature stories and voices of others who understand what you’re going through. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect and share online. You can also reach out to these support organizations for additional help:

• American Cancer Society

• Blood Cancer United: https://bloodcancerunited.org/resources

• Lymphoma Research Foundation: https://lymphoma.org/resources/supportservices/

• Leukemia Research Foundation: https://leukemiarf.org/patients/