Venetoclax: A Comprehensive Medication Guide

Summary or Key Points

Venetoclax is a powerful medication used to treat certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. It works by blocking a protein in cancer cells, aiding in their destruction. This guide provides essential information about Venetoclax, including dosage, administration instructions, and potential side effects. Remember, any medication changes should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. Our telemedicine services make this process easy and accessible.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Venclexta (Venetoclax)

A ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of a drug, which is not specific to any brand. It’s the same worldwide and is shown in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Venetoclax belongs to a class of medications known as BCL-2 inhibitors. Other medications in this class include Navitoclax.

Dosing

Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. Our telemedicine providers are readily available to discuss any concerns or queries.

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL): Typically, a 5-week ramp-up schedule is followed, starting with 20mg once daily and increasing to 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, and finally 400mg once daily. The treatment continues with 400mg daily.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): For patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, Venetoclax is used in combination with other drugs. The dosing starts at 100mg on day 1, 200mg on day 2, 300mg on day 3, and 400mg from day 4 onwards, depending on the patient’s tolerance and reaction to the medication.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Venetoclax is available in tablet form with the following strengths: 10mg, 50mg, 100mg, and 400mg.

Administration Instructions

Take Venetoclax exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Our telemedicine services can provide real-time support if you have any queries or concerns about your medication administration.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Venetoclax may have side effects. If you notice any of the following, reach out to our telemedicine providers immediately:

• Common: nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and respiratory infections.
• Less common but severe: low white blood cell count (neutropenia), which can lead to serious infections, and tumor lysis syndrome (rapid breakdown of cancer cells, potentially leading to kidney failure).

Contraindications

In medical terms, a contraindication refers to a specific situation in which a drug or procedure should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Venetoclax has a few key contraindications:

• Allergy: If you are allergic to Venetoclax or any of its components, you should not use this medication. Allergic reactions can cause serious health problems.
• Severe liver disease: Venetoclax can cause harm in individuals with severe liver disease due to increased blood levels of the medication.

If any of these contraindications apply to you, discuss with your healthcare provider. Our telemedicine services make it simple to access your provider’s expertise.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some notable medications that can interact with Venetoclax include:

• Strong CYP3A inhibitors such as Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers like Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), and St. John’s Wort

Venetoclax in Pregnancy

Research suggests that Venetoclax may harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Remember, our telemedicine services are always here to help guide your decision-making process.

Venetoclax while Breastfeeding

It’s currently unknown whether Venetoclax passes into breast milk. To ensure safety, breastfeeding while using this medication is not recommended. As always, discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider using our accessible telemedicine services.

Estimated Cost of Medication

A 30-day supply of Venetoclax, with a GoodRX coupon and without insurance, is estimated to cost around $600 to $700, depending on the dosage required.

Possible Alternatives

Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine services provide easy access to professional advice.

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Possible alternatives include other medications like Rituximab (Rituxan), lifestyle changes, and in some cases, radiation therapy.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Alternatives may include other chemotherapy drugs, stem cell transplant, or targeted therapies.

Recent Updates on Venetoclax Research

Recent studies suggest that Venetoclax, in combination with other drugs, may show promise for other types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma. Researchers continue to investigate Venetoclax’s full potential in cancer treatment. Stay connected with your healthcare provider via our telemedicine services to stay informed on the latest research relevant to your treatment.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.