What should you pay attention to when taking venetoclax?

Venetoclax, an orally absorbable small molecule inhibitor of BCL-2, can effectively kill tumor cells that overexpress BCL-2 and is mainly used to treat certain leukemias and lymphomas. Induces tumor cell apoptosis by binding to BCL-2 protein. It is often used in combination with azacitidine for patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are not suitable for intensive induction chemotherapy or who are over 75 years old.

Patients should be aware that venetoclax can cause serious side effects, such as tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), low white blood cell counts, and infections. Contact your doctor right away if you develop fever, chills, joint or muscle pain, tiredness, confusion, shortness of breath, fast or slow heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, dark or cloudy urine, or seizure (convulsions).

You should not receive live attenuated vaccines (e.g., MMR, chickenpox, monkeypox) before, during, or after treatment with venetoclax and until your B cells have fully recovered.

May cause harm to unborn child. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive measures.

Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with venetoclax plus bortezomib plus dexamethasone can only be done in controlled clinical trials.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you currently use and any medicines you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with each other, and some drugs should not be used together. Patients should consult their primary care physician before using venetoclax, and your primary care physician will determine your medication.

When taking medication, you must strictly follow the doctor's medication instructions and pay attention to possible side effects such as anemia, neutropenia, etc. Venetoclax provides patients with a new treatment option, but it must be used under the guidance of a physician.