Key facts about Venetoclax
What dosages is Venetoclax available in?
Venetoclax is available as a 10 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg oral tablet.
What is Venetoclax used for?
Venetoclax is a targeted therapy (BCL2 Inhibitors) and is used for the following:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults or people with certain medical conditions
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in adults
How does Venetoclax work?
Venetoclax is a type of targeted therapy called a BCL-2 inhibitor. BCL-2 is a protein that helps cancer cells survive. Certain cancers, like AML and CLL/SLL, have too many BCL-2 proteins. This allows them to continue growing uncontrollably. Venetoclax works by targeting and blocking BCL-2 on cancer cells, which allows it to kill and slow down the growth of cancer cells.
How do I take Venetoclax?
Venetoclax is dosed as follows: Your provider might prescribe other anticancer medications for you to take along with Venetoclax. Make sure to ask your provider about the specific directions and dosing of all the medications of your treatment plan. Your dose of Venetoclax might differ depending on whether you’re experiencing side effects or if you’ve any kidney or liver problems.
AML
- The typical starting dose for Venetoclax is 100 mg by mouth daily. Your provider will raise your dose daily over 3 to 4 days until you reach the maintenance dose of 400 mg or 600 mg daily, depending on which other anticancer medications you’re taking with Venetoclax
CLL or SLL
- The typical starting dose for Venetoclax is 20 mg by mouth daily. Your provider will raise your dose every week during your first 5 weeks of treatment until you reach a maintenance dose of 400 mg daily
Is it safe for me to take Venetoclax?
Venetoclax is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are taking a strong CYP3A inhibitors at initiation and during rampup phase with CLL/SLL.
Venetoclax Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Venetoclax:
- Low white blood cell count
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Low red blood cell count
- Tiredness
- Low platelet count
- Muscle and joint pain
- Swelling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Venetoclax Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Venetoclax. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Tumor lysis syndrome: fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, muscle or joint pain, unusual tiredness
- Serious infections: body aches, chills, fever, headache, new cough, sore throat, feeling tired
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Venetoclax
The following medications may interact with Venetoclax:
- Strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or P-gp inhibitors: Adjust dosage of Venetoclax
- Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers: Avoid co-administration
- P-gp substrates: Take at least 6 hours before Venetoclax
Who makes Venetoclax?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Venetoclax safe in pregnancy?
Venetoclax may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Venetoclax.
Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose of Venetoclax. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.













