Ask the Pharmacist Question:
What steps can I take to improve absorption of acalabrutinib. I had a total gastrectomy in 1974 and a Roux en Y in 2005, so my compromised stomach is not absorbing that 100mg oral medication I have been taking twice a day since late June. I have the 17p deletion. Can the medication be taken in a different form – suppository, under the tongue, or some other way?
Answer: At this time, acalabrutinib only comes in 100 mg capsule form. Current administration guidance indicates that the capsules should not be opened, broken, or chewed. As far as absorption, please make sure you have spoken with a bariatric surgeon about the malabsorption issues, and make sure you are not taking any antacids within two-hours of taking acalabrutinib (since they can interfere with absorption as well). You may ultimately need to switch to another medication regimen if the absorption concerns are not resolved.
