Question: Any difference in Calquence (Acalabrutinib) capsules vs tablets

[spi3]

Recently, when we picked up my hubby's acalabrutinib pills and the pharmacy gave him pills vs capsules. My husband is doing quite well on the capsules. Should we be concerned? I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone and did you notice any changes? I thank you in advance for your support 💗

[AussieNeil Administrator]

The manufacturer has done an equivalence trial, proving equal efficacy. The big difference is that the capsules weren't compatible with PPI drugs like omeprazole (Losec). Given these are commonly prescribed for GERD (heartburn), it made sense for the manufacturer to produce this tablet (pill) replacement, which is compatible with PPI drugs. The capsules are no longer available.

Neil

[spi3 in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you so much Neil 💓 - I really appreciate it. I often call these pills my hubby's Warrior Angels and I'm so glad they still have the same potency.

[Emgeegee]

I was switched recently and didn’t notice any difference.

[spi3]

That's such a relief! Thank you so much!

[kitchengardener2]

Is this change just in certain countries? I had my latest prescription three weeks ago and still got capsules. In UK

[Mtk1 in reply to kitchengardener2]

Same here.

[SERVrider in reply to Mtk1]

I picked up 3 months' supply last week, still all capsules. (Also in UK)

[Mtk1 in reply to SERVrider]

my hospital will only provide 1 month at a time even though my haematologist gives me a prescription for 6 months worth.

[unairdefamille in reply to Mtk1]

Same here in Canada, only capsules... 🤔

[Muddywater in reply to kitchengardener2]

Yep my last collection a few weeks ago were capsules as well. Maybe it just takes a while for the pills to come on stream here?

[Jevotchka in reply to kitchengardener2]

My prescription is for 3 mths at a time from hospital and still capsules too - UK

[Leo71]

I read some questions and answers on this some time ago and several people commented that for whatever reason the tablets did not agree with them - presumably some added ingredient. This worried me as my husband often finds a change of brand eg with his anti-viral is a problem. I hope capsules continue to be available in the UK.

[Vizilo]

Still capsules in Canada too

[Sojomama13]

I was on Omeprazole with great success prior to treatment. Once I began my clinical trial of Acalabrutinib (Calquence, Obinutuzumab and Venetoclax, I had to stop the Omeprazole. Honestly, nothing for my acid reflux has helped me as much. I was thrilled to change to the tablet because now I know that I will be able to manage my GERD.

Best,

Sandy

[spi3 in reply to Sojomama13]

thank you so much and I'm so glad it's working great for you too.

[DoriZett in reply to Sojomama13]

I had to stop an Acalabrutinib capsule clinical trial for the same reason. I ended up with 2 bleeding ulcers in my stomach. Back on Prilosec - they have healed and I am 21 months still in CLL/SLL remission and holding. I responded well to Acalabrutinib - with minimal, manageable side effects. I'm wondering when treatment time comes again, if the onc will put me back on Acalabrutinib tablets or try something new ...... (Pretty sure there will be a next time as I was diagnosed "young" at 53 and have intermediate to high risk markers).

[spi3 in reply to DoriZett]

Thank you - as you know they are now in the 3rd generation for treatments and have improved the side effects! However, I'm praying for you for a very long-long remission!

[spi3]

I thank you all for your responses - I shared them with my hubby and he is relieved. As I stated before and I will say it forever-- this is such a community of wonderful people - God Bless you all! 😊

[OSUfan in reply to spi3]

Found that pills are far easier - no problems- on my stomach than were the capsules. Pills are available in USA.

[spi3 in reply to OSUfan]

So glad to hear!Thank you so much!

[SeymourB]

For those interested in the differences between the table and capsule:

accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf...

CALQUENCE capsules for oral administration contains 100 mg acalabrutinib and the following inactive ingredients: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, partially pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, FD&C Blue 2 and is imprinted with edible black ink.

accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf...

CALQUENCE tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 100 mg of acalabrutinib (equivalent to 129 mg of acalabrutinib maleate). Inactive ingredients in the tablet core are low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet coating consists of copovidone, ferric oxide yellow, ferric oxide red, hypromellose, medium-chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol 3350, purified water and titanium dioxide.

As far as approval in the EU, UK, and AU:

astrazeneca.com/media-centr...

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

tga.gov.au/resources/artg/3...

Health services may choose to use the capsules until stocks are depeleted, I suspect. But if anyone in these jurisdictions really wants the tablet, the above links might help a little in convincing uninformed personnel.

=seymour=

[spi3 in reply to SeymourB]

Ty I really appreciate your help in this matter