Venetoclax: how to take it safely
Venclexta, Venclyxto
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water, with a meal.
- The dose is raised slowly over several weeks. Follow the starter pack exactly.
- Drink plenty of fluids (1.5 to 2 litres a day) while the dose is being raised.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time.
Take it with
With a meal and water.
What to avoid
- Grapefruit, Seville oranges and star fruit.
- Skipping doses or changing the starter pack schedule.
- Strong medicines such as some antifungals and HIV drugs. Check with your pharmacist.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Diarrhoea, nausea, low white cell count, tiredness.
Get help if
Fever, signs of infection, very little urine, muscle cramps or weakness, palpitations or confusion (tumour lysis): get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.