Imbruvica vs. Calquence for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Imbruvica

(ibrutinib)

Calquence

(acalabrutinib)

Summary for Imbruvica

Prescription only

Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is a type of targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor. It's used to treat adults with certain blood cancers. These are chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). This medication can also treat chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in people ages 1 year and older. Imbruvica (ibrutinib) comes as tablets, capsules, and a liquid. The dose is taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

Indications for Imbruvica

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL) in adults
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) in adults
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in people 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Imbruvica

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day
Can take at home
A recommended option for CLL
An option for cGVHD that doesn't respond well to steroids

Cons

Can cause nausea and diarrhea
Can raise your blood pressure
Has a risk of infection and bleeding
Not recommended for people with severe liver problems because of safety risks

Common Side Effects for Imbruvica

Low platelets (52%)
Low white blood cells (51%)
Diarrhea (48%)
Lower hemoglobin levels (36%)
Muscle or bone pain (28%)
Nausea (26%)
Rash (24%)
Fever (24%)
Cough (19%)
Mouth sores (17%)
Joint pain (17%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (16%)
Pneumonia (15%)
Constipation (15%)

Warnings for Imbruvica

Risk of bleeding
Infections
Risk of heart rhythm problems and heart failure
High blood pressure
Risk of new cancers
Liver problems
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Calquence

Prescription only

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is an oral medication used to treat blood and bone marrow cancers called mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Depending on your situation, it can be used alone or with another treatment called Gazyva (obinutuzumab). Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a first-choice treatment option for people with CLL.

Indications for Calquence

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

Pros and Cons for Calquence

Pros

Can take with or without food
Comes as a pill, so it’s more convenient than an injection
More precise in the way it targets cancer cells, compared to traditional chemotherapy

Cons

Need to take twice a day
Might not be a good option if you have a history of heart rhythm problems or severe liver problems
Only available as a brand medication

Common Side Effects for Calquence

Anemia (low red blood cells; up to 53%)
Low white blood cells (up to 48%)
Low platelets (up to 44%)
Respiratory tract infection (up to 35%)
Headache (up to 39%)
Diarrhea (up to 35%)
Muscle and joint pain (up to 32%)
Tiredness (up to 28%)
Rash (up to 25%)
Nausea (up to 22%)
Bruising (up to 21%)
Bleeding (up to 20%)

^{*Side effects listed were reported in people taking Calquence (acalabrutinib) alone. Side effects might differ when taken with Gazyva (obinutuzumab).}