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CALQUENCE is a targeted alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
CALQUENCE is a kinase inhibitor that affects the growth of MCL cancer cells. Kinases are part of the chemical pathways within cells, some of which can start the growth of new cells. Kinase inhibitors help stop growth signals and reduce the number of new cancer cells being made.
CALQUENCE works by blocking a protein called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BROO-tuhn TY-ruh-seen KY-nays), or BTK, in B cells.
In a clinical trial, the majority of patients with previously treated MCL responded to CALQUENCE, which means that most patients in the clinical trial saw their cancer reduce in size and not spread. When the results of CALQUENCE were initially assessed, 80% of patients (99 out of 124) achieved a response after approximately 15 months of follow-up.*
When doctors followed up with patients approximately a year later, 81% of patients (100 out of 124) had achieved a response after approximately 26 months of follow-up.*
*Radiographic and other tests showed that their cancer reduced in size and did not spread.
A majority of patients who responded
to CALQUENCE continued to respond for (26 months) over 2 years
Individual results may vary.
It’s important that patients partner with their doctor to create a treatment plan that works for them.
Before taking CALQUENCE, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:
Patients should also tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking CALQUENCE with certain other medications may affect how CALQUENCE works and can cause side effects. Patients should especially tell their healthcare provider if they take a blood thinner medicine.
Physical exams and occasional blood tests help doctors determine if CALQUENCE is working. It’s very important for patients to keep these appointments with their doctor—it’s the only way to monitor how they are responding to treatment.
If the disease isn’t growing, spreading, or getting worse, doctors may still want patients to stay on CALQUENCE. The best way to continuously block the target, BTK, is by taking CALQUENCE as recommended.
CALQUENCE is easy to take (even on the go). But before we get into how to take CALQUENCE, remember that it’s important to take CALQUENCE exactly as prescribed.
Patients should speak with their doctor about recommended dosing.
The best way to continuously block the target, BTK, is by taking CALQUENCE as recommended by a doctor: twice a day, approximately every 12 hours. Missing doses may negatively impact treatment goals.
And, of course, patients should talk with their doctor before doing or changing anything.
Patients taking CALQUENCE may experience side effects, and it’s important to know what they might be and how patients may be able to manage some of them.
Remember that everyone’s treatment experience is different, so patients should speak with their doctor immediately about any side effects they experience. Preventing and managing side effects may help patients stay on treatment.
Initially,* adverse reactions led only 7% of patients (8 out of 124) to discontinue treatment and 2% (2 out of 124) to have their dose reduced in the clinical trial.
When these patients were followed up with approximately a year later,† 8% of patients (10 out of 124) had discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions and 2% (2 out of 124) had their dose reduced.
*After approximately 15 months of follow-up.
†After approximately 26 months of follow-up.
Some side effects are more common than others. The most common side effects of CALQUENCE include:
There are also more serious side effects that can occur:
These are not all of the possible side effects of CALQUENCE. Patients should call their doctor for medical advice about side effects. Side effects may be reported to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before taking CALQUENCE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Before taking CALQUENCE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking CALQUENCE with certain other medications may affect how CALQUENCE works and can cause side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a blood thinner medicine.
How should I take CALQUENCE?
What are the possible side effects of CALQUENCE?
CALQUENCE may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of CALQUENCE include headache, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, upper respiratory tract infection, and bruising.
These are not all the possible side effects of CALQUENCE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here.
What is CALQUENCE?
CALQUENCE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior treatment for their cancer.
It is not known if CALQUENCE is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.