Drug Interaction Report

Nelfinavir may significantly increase the blood levels and effects of venetoclax. This may increase your risk of developing tumor lysis syndrome, a serious condition that is caused by the rapid breakdown of cancer cells and that can lead to kidney failure and even death. In addition, you may be more likely to experience other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and impaired bone marrow function resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells, which can increase the risk of anemia, bleeding problems, and infections. If you are being treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma, using nelfinavir is not recommended when first starting venetoclax and while the dose is slowly being increased. If you are being treated for acute myeloid leukemia the dose of venetoclax should be reduced. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food helps to increase the absorption of venetoclax. You should take each dose of venetoclax with a meal and water at approximately the same time each day. Do not consume grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, or starfruit during treatment with venetoclax. Doing so can significantly increase blood levels and effects of the medication. This may increase your risk of developing tumor lysis syndrome, a serious condition that is caused by the rapid breakdown of cancer cells and that can lead to kidney failure and even death. In addition, you may be more likely to experience other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and impaired bone marrow function resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells, which can increase the risk of anemia, bleeding problems, and infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.