.
What should I tell my doctor before taking VENCLEXTA?
Before taking VENCLEXTA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have kidney or liver problems
have problems with your body salts or electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphorus, or calcium
have a history of high uric acid levels in your blood or gout
are scheduled to receive a vaccine. You should not receive a “live vaccine” before, during, or after treatment with VENCLEXTA, until your doctor tells you it is okay. If you are not sure about the type of immunization or vaccine, ask your doctor. These vaccines may not be safe or may not work as well during treatment with VENCLEXTA.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. VENCLEXTA may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with VENCLEXTA. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose of VENCLEXTA. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VENCLEXTA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with VENCLEXTA.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VENCLEXTA and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. See “Who should not take VENCLEXTA?”
How should I take VENCLEXTA?
Take VENCLEXTA exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Do not change your dose of VENCLEXTA or stop taking VENCLEXTA unless your doctor tells you to.
When you first take VENCLEXTA:
You may need to take VENCLEXTA at the hospital or clinic to monitor for TLS.
Your doctor will start VENCLEXTA at a low dose. Your dose will be slowly increased weekly over 5 weeks up to the full dose. Read the Quick Start Guide that comes with VENCLEXTA before your first dose.
Follow the instructions about drinking water described in the section of this Medication Guide about TLS called “What is the most important information I should know about VENCLEXTA?” and also in the Quick Start Guide.
Take VENCLEXTA 1 time a day with a meal and water at about the same time each day.
Swallow VENCLEXTA tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets.
If you miss a dose of VENCLEXTA and it has been less than 8 hours, take your dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose of VENCLEXTA and it has been more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time.
If you vomit after taking VENCLEXTA, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at your usual time the next day.
What should I avoid while taking VENCLEXTA?
You should not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, Seville oranges (often used in marmalades), or starfruit while you are taking VENCLEXTA. These products may increase the amount of VENCLEXTA in your blood.
What are the possible side effects of VENCLEXTA?
VENCLEXTA can cause serious side effects, including:
See "What is the most important information I should know about VENCLEXTA?"
Low white blood cell count (neutropenia). Low white blood cell counts are common with VENCLEXTA, but can also be severe. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood counts during treatment with VENCLEXTA. Tell your doctor right away if you have a fever or any signs of an infection while taking VENCLEXTA.
The most common side effects of VE |
