Venetoclax (Venclyxto), alone or in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazyva) or rituximab (Rituxan), to treat certain types of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia that begins in white blood cells) cancer) or some types of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL; a cancer that starts primarily in the lymph nodes). It is also used in combination with azacitidine (Vidaza), decitabine (Dacogen), or cytarabine for acute myeloid leukemia in people 75 years of age or older or who have a medical condition that prevents them from receiving other chemotherapy drugs (AML; a cancer that starts in white blood cells) for the first time. Venetoclax is in a class of drugs called B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of certain proteins in the body that help cancer cells survive. This helps kill cancer cells.
Venetoclax is an oral tablet. It is usually taken once a day with a meal and water. Take Venetoclax at about the same time each day.
Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand. Take Venetoclax exactly as directed, without taking more or less or more often than your doctor has prescribed.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not separate, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit after taking Venetoclax, do not take it repeatedly. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Venetoclax and gradually increase the dose if You are being treated for CLL or SLL, not more than once a week for the first 5 weeks, or once a day for the first 3 or 4 days if you are being treated for AML.
Your doctor may need to interrupt or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during treatment with Venetoclax. Your doctor may tell you to start Venetoclax at a lower dose for certain side effects.
Your doctor or pharmacist when you start treatment with Venetoclax and each time you refill your prescription The therapist will give you the manufacturer’s Patient Information Sheet (Medication Guide). Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
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