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Uses

What is Venclexta used for?

Venclexta (venetoclax) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma With Venclexta.

Venclexta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Venclexta work (mechanism of action)?

When normal cells are old and damaged they self-destruct in a process called apoptosis. In certain types of cancer, a protein called BCL-2 keeps cancer cells alive. Venclexta attaches itself to BCL-2 and blocks this protein, causing cancer cells to die. 

How is Venclexta supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Venclexta

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Venclexta?

Venclexta should be stored at or below 86 F (30 C) in its original container. Protect from moisture.

Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Venclexta?

The most common side effects of Venclexta are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Anemia
  • Neutropenia (see below)
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Cough
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Tiredness
  • Fluid retention
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Infections including infections in the lungs (pneumonia) and infections in your blood (sepsis) 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bleeding
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Low blood pressure

There may be other side effects of Venclexta that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Venclexta?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Venclexta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Venclexta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Venclexta and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Venclexta can cause a fast breakdown of cancer cells. This can lead to a condition called tumor lysis syndrome, which can be serious. It is important to drink plenty of water while taking Venclexta and to keep all of your appointments for blood work, so your healthcare provider can see how your body is responding to Venclexta. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of tumor lysis syndrome while taking Venclexta. 

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills
  • Confusion
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Dark or cloudy urine
  • Weakness
  • Swelling or fluid retention
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Venclexta may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to have your blood checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Infections. Venclexta can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Venclexta?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Venclexta.

  • Venclexta
  • Venetoclax
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Venclexta.

Drug Interactions. Venclexta should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Venclexta, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Venclexta before using it?

Do not take Venclexta unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Venclexta with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Venclexta out of the reach of children.

When you first start taking Venclexta, you may be asked to take your first few doses at a hospital or a clinic. During the first few weeks of taking Venclexta, your dose may keep changing. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider on how much Venclexta to take.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Venclexta. Swallow whole with water. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble swallowing your Venclexta tablets. Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe your dose in smaller-sized tablets. 

Drink 6 to 8 glasses (about 56 ounces total) of water each day, starting two days before your first dose of Venclexta, on the day of your first dose, and each time your dose is increased. This can help lower your risk of developing tumor lysis syndrome.

Venclexta can affect your coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require coordination until you know how Venclexta affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Venclexta?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Venclexta is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Venclexta. You should not receive certain vaccines after stopping Venclexta without first talking to your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Problems with your electrolyte levels
  • Gout or history of high uric acid levels in your blood

Pregnancy. Venclexta may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Use effective contraception (birth control, condoms, etc.) during treatment and for at least 30 days after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Venclexta passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Venclexta and for at least one week after your last dose.

How can I get more information about Venclexta?

For more information about Venclexta, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.venclexta.com or call them at 800-633-9110.

Interactions

Does Venclexta interact with foods or drinks?

Take Venclexta with a meal. Do not eat grapefruit, Seville oranges, marmalades with Seville oranges, or starfruit, and do not drink grapefruit juice, juice with starfruit, or juice with Seville oranges while taking Venclexta.

There are no known interactions between Venclexta and alcohol.

Does Venclexta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Venclexta.

  • Posaconazole (Noxafil) or ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Ritonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Venclexta, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Venclexta. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Venclexta?

If you or someone else has used too much Venclexta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Venclexta?

Venclexta is taken at the same time each day. If you miss a dose within 8 hours of when you normally take it, take your dose. If you miss a dose by more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you vomit after taking Venclexta, do not take any additional doses that day. Take your next dose the following day at your usual time. 

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