Verzenio vs Calquence
A side-by-side look at two oncology medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Verzenio | US Calquence | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | abemaciclib | acalabrutinib |
| Drug class | CDK4/6 Inhibitor | BTK Inhibitor |
| Treats | HR+/HER2- breast cancer | Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma |
| Category | Oncology | Oncology |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 2017 | 2017 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $85M | — |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, Low blood counts, Fatigue, Blood clots | Headache, Diarrhea, Bruising and bleeding, Infections |
Calquence
Frequently asked questions
Is Verzenio or Calquence better?
Neither is universally "better." Verzenio (abemaciclib) and Calquence (acalabrutinib) are both used for oncology, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Verzenio and Calquence?
Verzenio is a CDK4/6 Inhibitor made by Eli Lilly, while Calquence is a BTK Inhibitor made by AstraZeneca. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Verzenio has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.