Decisions to stop or pause Calquence (acalabrutinib) therapy are complex and always made by a healthcare provider, based on individual patient circumstances, treatment response, and potential side effects. You should never stop taking Calquence on your own.
Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping or pausing Calquence for specific reasons, including:
Key Reasons Your Healthcare Provider May Stop Calquence
Stopping Calquence is a medical decision made to manage potential risks or prepare for other medical interventions. Here are the primary situations when your doctor might decide to stop or temporarily interrupt your Calquence treatment:
- Planned Medical, Surgical, or Dental Procedures: To minimize the risk of bleeding during an operation or invasive procedure, your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop Calquence. This is a common practice with medications that affect blood clotting.
- Bleeding Problems: If you develop new or worsening bleeding problems, your healthcare provider might decide to pause or discontinue Calquence. Acalabrutinib, like other BTK inhibitors, can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Heart Rhythm Problems: If you have, or develop, heart rhythm problems—such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter—your doctor will evaluate whether Calquence should be stopped or adjusted. Your heart health is closely monitored during treatment.
- Infection: In the event of a serious infection, your healthcare provider may temporarily stop Calquence to allow your body to better fight the infection, especially since the medication can affect the immune system.
Other Considerations for Stopping Calquence
While the above are common reasons for interruption, other factors might lead to a decision to stop Calquence, always under medical guidance:
- Severe Side Effects: If you experience severe or unmanageable side effects that outweigh the benefits of continued treatment, your doctor may explore other treatment options.
- Disease Progression: If the cancer progresses despite treatment with Calquence, your healthcare team will evaluate alternative therapies.
- Treatment Completion: In some clinical contexts or trials, treatment may have a defined duration, though for many chronic conditions like CLL, it's often continued until progression or intolerance.
Important: Always Consult Your Healthcare Provider
It is critical to remember that only your doctor can determine if and when Calquence should be stopped or paused. Do not make any changes to your medication regimen without consulting them first. They will consider your overall health, the specific condition being treated, other medications you are taking, and the potential risks and benefits.
For detailed information on Calquence, including its uses, potential side effects, and important safety information, always refer to official drug information provided by the manufacturer or consult with your pharmacist and healthcare team. You can often find comprehensive resources on the manufacturer's official website (e.g., CALQUENCE.com).
