Drug Interaction Report

Venetoclax may increase the blood levels of colchicine to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of serious side effects that can affect your muscles, blood cells, nervous system, and multiple organs including the liver and kidneys. Before taking colchicine let your doctor know if you are currently using venetoclax or have used it within the last 14 days. Depending on your condition and the brand of colchicine you take, your doctor may interrupt treatment with colchicine, lower your dose of colchicine, or may decrease the frequency of colchicine doses. Let your doctor know if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and/or numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as these may be early symptoms of colchicine toxicity. You may not be able to take these medications together if you have liver or kidney disease. 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.

Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase your blood levels of colchicine to dangerous levels. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with colchicine. Let your doctor know if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and/or numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as these may be early symptoms of colchicine toxicity.

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.