About venetoclax
BCL-2 inhibitor anticancer medicine
Used for
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with certain other medicines in adults
Usual adult dose
CLL/SLL: gradually increase to 400 mg once daily over five weeks. AML: gradually increase to 400 mg daily with azacitidine or 600 mg with low-dose cytarabine.
Common side effects
- Low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Infections, including pneumonia
- Tumor lysis syndrome, which can harm the kidneys
Important warnings
- Tumor lysis syndrome can be life-threatening; dose escalation and monitoring are required.
- Severe low blood counts and serious infections can occur.
- Strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors can dangerously raise venetoclax levels.
- Do not take with grapefruit, Seville oranges, or starfruit.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole or clarithromycin, increase levels.
- CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin or carbamazepine, can reduce effectiveness.
- Warfarin levels may increase; closer monitoring may be needed.
- P-glycoprotein inhibitors, such as cyclosporine, can increase levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.