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Venetoclax (Monograph)

Brand name: Venclexta
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agents
- B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor
- BCL-2 inhibitor
Chemical name: 4-Dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]methyl]-1-piperazinyl]-N-[[3-nitro-4-[[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]-2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yloxy)-benzamide, 4-[4-[[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4
Molecular formula: C45H50ClN7O7S
CAS number: 1257044-40-8

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 3, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antineoplastic agent; inhibitor of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2).

Uses for Venetoclax

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)

Treatment of CLL or SLL.

Designated an orphan drug by FDA for treatment of CLL/SLL.

Generally recommended among first-line treatment options for symptomatic CLL.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Treatment of newly diagnosed AML in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine for patients ≥75 years of age or with comorbidities that preclude use of intensive induction chemotherapy.

Designated an orphan drug by FDA for treatment of AML.

Generally recommended in combination with other agents for treatment of AML in older adults or adults with significant comorbidities.

Venetoclax Dosage and Administration

General

Pretreatment Screening

Patient Monitoring

Premedication and Prophylaxis

Administer IV hydration if oral hydration is not tolerated

Begin oral hydration 2 days prior to initiating venetoclax, on the day of the first dose, and every time the dose is increased

Initiate antihyperuricemic agent (e.g., allopurinol) 2–3 days prior to initiating venetoclax

Table 1. Recommended Prophylaxis and Monitoring for Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Patients with CLL/SLL1

Tumor Burden

Prophylaxis

Monitoring

Low tumor burden: All lymph nodes with diameter <5 cm AND absolute lymphocyte count <25,000/mm3

Oral hydration (1.5–2 L), and allopurinol

Assess blood chemistries (i.e., potassium, phosphorus, calcium, uric acid, creatinine) prior to, at 6–8 and 24 hours following the first 20- and 50-mg doses of venetoclax, and prior to each subsequent escalating dose (100, 200, and 400 mg)

Medium tumor burden: Any lymph node diameter 5 cm to <10 cm OR absolute lymphocyte count ≥25,000/mm3

Oral hydration (1.5–2 L), and allopurinol

Assess blood chemistries (i.e., potassium, phosphorus, calcium, uric acid, creatinine) prior to, at 6–8 and 24 hours following the first 20- and 50-mg doses of venetoclax, and prior to each subsequent escalating dose (100, 200, and 400 mg)

Consider additional IV hydration

In patients with Clcr <80 mL/minute prior to the first 20- and 50-mg doses, consider hospitalization for drug administration and more intensive hydration and monitoring (see the following recommendations for monitoring in hospital)

High tumor burden: Any lymph node diameter ≥10 cm OR any lymph node diameter ≥5 cm and absolute lymphocyte count ≥25,000/mm3

Oral (1.5–2 L), and IV (150–200 mL/hour as tolerated) hydration and allopurinol

Hospitalize patients for administration of the first 20- and 50-mg doses of venetoclax; assess blood chemistries (i.e., potassium, phosphorus, calcium, uric acid, creatinine) prior to and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours following each dose

Consider rasburicase if baseline uric acid concentrations are elevated

Administer subsequent escalating doses (100, 200, and 400 mg) in the outpatient setting; assess blood chemistries prior to and at 6–8 and 24 hours following each dose

Other General Considerations

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally once daily with a meal and full glass of water at approximately the same time each day. Swallow tablets intact; do not chew, crush, or break. Dosage may be delivered using any combination of the approved tablet strengths.

Dosage

Adults

CLL/SLL
Oral

Recommended dosage is 400 mg once daily; to reduce tumor burden (i.e., debulk) and minimize risk of tumor lysis syndrome, initiate at a low dosage and increase gradually over 5 weeks according to the following schedule: 20 mg daily in first week, 50 mg daily in second week, 100 mg daily in third week, 200 mg daily in fourth week, then 400 mg daily starting the fifth week and thereafter.

Venetoclax in Combination with Obinutuzumab
Oral

During cycle 1, administer obinutuzumab 100 mg IV on day 1, 900 mg on day 2, and then 1 g on day 8 and day 15. During cycles 2–6, administer obinutuzumab 1 g IV on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Do not continue obinutuzumab beyond 6 cycles.

On cycle 1 day 22, initiate venetoclax at a low dosage and titrate over 5 weeks according to the following schedule: 20 mg daily in first week, 50 mg daily in second week, 100 mg daily in third week, 200 mg daily in fourth week, then 400 mg daily in the fifth week and thereafter. After completing the dosage escalation phase on cycle 2 day 28, continue venetoclax at a dosage of 400 mg once daily from cycle 3 day 1 until the last day of cycle 12.

Venetoclax in Combination with Rituximab
Oral

Initiate venetoclax at a low dosage and titrate over 5 weeks according to the following schedule: 20 mg daily in first week, 50 mg daily in second week, 100 mg daily in third week, 200 mg daily in fourth week, then 400 mg daily in the fifth week and thereafter. Continue venetoclax 400 mg once daily for 24 months starting from day 1 of cycle 1 of rituximab.

Initiate rituximab after patient has completed the 5-week dose-escalation for venetoclax and has received venetoclax at the recommended dosage of 400 mg once daily for 7 days. Administer rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV on day 1 of cycle 1. For cycles 2–6, administer rituximab 500 mg/m2 IV on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Do not continue rituximab beyond 6 cycles.

Venetoclax Monotherapy
Oral

400 mg once daily; initiate at a low dosage and titrate over 5 weeks according to the following schedule: 20 mg daily in first week, 50 mg daily in second week, 100 mg daily in third week, 200 mg daily in fourth week, then 400 mg daily thereafter.

Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Dosage Modification for Toxicity in Patients with CLL/SLL
Oral

If a dosage modification is needed in patients with CLL/SLL, adjust dosage by one dose level (see Table 2).

If dosage reduction occurs during the initial 5-week titration period, continue reduced dosage for 1 week before escalating back to previous dosage.

If interruption of therapy is necessary for >1 week during the initial 5-week titration period or for >2 weeks while receiving venetoclax 400 mg once daily, reassess risk for tumor lysis syndrome to determine if a reduced dosage is necessary when resuming therapy.

Larger dose reductions may be required at the discretion of the clinician

Table 2: Recommended Dosage Reduction for Venetoclax Toxicity in Patients with CLL or SLL1

Current Venetoclax Dosage

Dosage Reduction after Recovery from Toxicity

400 mg

Restart at 300 mg once daily

300 mg

Restart at 200 mg once daily

200 mg

Restart at 100 mg once daily

100 mg

Restart at 50 mg once daily

50 mg

Restart at 20 mg once daily

20 mg

Restart at 10 mg once daily

If adverse effects occur in patients with CLL or SLL, see Table 3 for recommended dosage modifications (i.e., temporary interruption of therapy, dosage reduction, discontinuance of therapy).

Table 3. Recommended Dosage Modification for Venetoclax Toxicity in Patients with CLL or SLL1

Adverse Reaction and Severity

Modification

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Blood chemistry abnormalities or symptoms consistent with tumor lysis syndrome

Withhold therapy

If resolution occurs within 24–48 hours of the last dose, resume therapy at the same dosage; however, if laboratory abnormalities require >48 hours to resolve or if clinical tumor lysis syndrome (clinical sequelae may include acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, and/or seizures) occurs, resume therapy at a reduced dosage when resolution occurs (see Table 2)

Hematologic Toxicity

Grade 3 neutropenia associated with fever or infection

First occurrence: Withhold therapy; when toxicity improves to grade 1 or less, resume at same dosage

Subsequent occurrences: Withhold therapy, resume therapy at a reduced dosage when the toxicity resolves (see Table 2)

Grade 4 hematologic toxicity (except for lymphopenia)

First occurrence: Withhold therapy; when toxicity improves to grade 1 or less, resume at same dosage

Subsequent occurrences: Withhold therapy, resume therapy at a reduced dosage when the toxicity resolves (see Table 2)

Nonhematologic Toxicity

Grade 3 or 4

First occurrence: Withhold therapy; when toxicity improves to grade 1 or less, resume at same dosage

Subsequent occurrences: Withhold therapy, resume therapy at a reduced dosage when the toxicity resolves (see Table 2)

Dosage Modification for Concomitant Use with CYP3A or P-gp Inhibitors in Patients with CLL/SLL
Oral

Concomitant use with a potent or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor may be contraindicated or reduction of the venetoclax dosage may be necessary as described in Table 4. When concomitant use of the potent or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor is discontinued, return venetoclax dosage (after 2–3 days) to dosage used prior to initiation of the CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor.

Table 4. Recommended Management of Potential Drug Interactions with Venetoclax in Patients with CLL or SLL1

Coadministered Drug

Concomitant Use During Initial Venetoclax Dosage Escalation

Concomitant Use with Steady Daily Dosage of Venetoclax (After Dosage Escalation)

Posaconazole

Contraindicated

Consider using an alternative drug with no or less CYP3A inhibition potential

If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce venetoclax dosage to 70 mg daily; monitor frequently for toxicities

Other potent CYP3A inhibitor

Contraindicated

Consider using an alternative drug with no or less CYP3A inhibition potential

If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce venetoclax dosage to 100 mg daily; monitor frequently for toxicities

Moderate CYP3A inhibitor

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

P-gp inhibitor

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Venetoclax in Combination with Azacitidine
Oral

Venetoclax 400 mg once daily; initiate at a low dosage and titrate over 3 days according to following schedule: 100 mg on day 1, 200 mg on day 2, and 400 mg daily thereafter.

Administer azacitidine 75 mg/m2 IV or sub-Q once daily on days 1–7 of each 28-day cycle.

Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Venetoclax in Combination with Decitabine
Oral

Venetoclax 400 mg once daily; initiate at a low dosage and titrate over 3 days according to following schedule: 100 mg on day 1, 200 mg on day 2, and 400 mg daily thereafter.

Administer decitabine 20 mg/m2 IV once daily on days 1–5 of each 28-day cycle.

Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Venetoclax in Combination with Low-Dose Cytarabine
Oral

Venetoclax 600 mg once daily; initiate at a low dosage and titrate over 4 days according to following schedule: 100 mg on day 1, 200 mg on day 2, 400 mg on day 3, and 600 mg daily thereafter.

Administer cytarabine 20 mg/m2 sub-Q once daily on days 1–10 of each 28-day cycle.

Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Dosage Modification for Toxicity in Patients with AML
Oral

If adverse reactions occur in patients with AML, see Table 5 for recommended dosage modifications.

Table 5. Recommended Dosage Modification for Venetoclax Toxicity in Patients with AML1

Adverse Reaction and Severity

Occurrence

Modification

Hematologic Toxicity

Grade 4 neutropenia with or without fever or infection

Prior to achieving remission

In most instances, do not interrupt venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine

Bone marrow evaluation recommended

First occurrence after achieving remission and lasts ≥7 days

Delay subsequent cycle of venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine and monitor CBCs

Resume venetoclax at same dosage in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine when toxicity resolves to grade 1 or 2

Subsequent occurrences in cycles after achieving remission and lasting ≥7 days

Delay subsequent cycle of venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine and monitor CBCs

Resume venetoclax at same dosage in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine when toxicity resolves to grade 1 or 2, and reduce duration of venetoclax therapy by 7 days during each subsequent cycle (e.g., 28 days reduced to 21 days)

Grade 4 thrombocytopenia

Prior to achieving remission

In most instances, do not interrupt venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine

Bone marrow evaluation recommended

First occurrence after achieving remission and lasts ≥7 days

Delay subsequent cycle of venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine and monitor CBCs

Resume venetoclax at same dosage in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine when toxicity resolves to grade 1 or 2

Subsequent occurrences in cycles after achieving remission and lasting ≥7 days

Delay subsequent cycle of venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine and monitor CBCs

Resume venetoclax at same dosage in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine when toxicity resolves to grade 1 or 2, and reduce duration of venetoclax therapy by 7 days during each subsequent cycle (e.g., 28 days reduced to 21 days)

Nonhematologic Toxicity

Grade 3 or 4

Any occurrence

If persists despite supportive care, withhold venetoclax therapy; resume venetoclax at same dosage when toxicity resolves to grade 1 or less

Dosage Modification for Concomitant Use with CYP3A or P-gp Inhibitors in Patients with AML
Oral

Avoid concomitant use with a potent or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, dosage reduction may be necessary as described in Table 6. When concomitant use of the potent or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor is discontinued, return venetoclax dosage (after 2–3 days) to dosage used prior to initiation of the CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor.

Table 6. Recommended Management of Potential Drug Interactions with Venetoclax in Patients with AML1

Coadministered Drug

During Dosage Escalation

After Dosage Escalation

Posaconazole

Day 1: 10 mg

Reduce venetoclax dosage to 70 mg daily and monitor frequently for toxicities

Day 2: 20 mg

Day 3: 50 mg

Day 4: 70 mg

Other potent CYP3A inhibitor

Day 1: 10 mg

Reduce venetoclax dosage to 100 mg daily and monitor frequently for toxicities

Day 2: 20 mg

Day 3: 50 mg

Day 4: 100 mg

Moderate CYP3A inhibitor

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

P-gp inhibitor

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor frequently for toxicities

Special Populations

Dosage in Hepatic Impairment

Mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): No dosage adjustment required.

Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Reduce once-daily dosage by 50% and closely monitor for adverse reactions.

Dosage in Renal Impairment

Mild, moderate, or severe (Clcr ≥15 mL/minute) renal impairment: No dosage adjustment required.

End-stage renal disease (Clcr <15 mL/minute) or dialysis: Not studied.

Geriatric Patients

No specific dosage recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Venetoclax

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome, sometimes fatal or resulting in renal failure requiring dialysis, reported. Risk generally greatest when drug is first initiated, during dose-escalation period, and, in patients with CLL or SLL, during reinitiation of therapy following dosage interruption; laboratory abnormalities requiring prompt medical treatment may occur as early as 6–8 hours following initial dose or after each dosage increase.

Risk is a continuum based on multiple factors (e.g., type of malignancy, tumor burden, renal impairment, splenomegaly). Concomitant use of certain drugs (moderate or potent CYP3A inhibitors or P-gp inhibitors) may further increase risk.

Assess patient's risk of tumor lysis syndrome (i.e., tumor burden, blood chemistries) and correct any abnormalities prior to initiating therapy and during dose-escalation period. Institute appropriate measures (e.g., prophylactic antihyperuricemic therapy and adequate hydration) to minimize risk; more intensive medical management (i.e., IV hydration, frequent monitoring, hospitalization) may be necessary as overall risk increases.

If tumor lysis syndrome occurs, temporary interruption of therapy may be necessary; dosage reduction may be necessary in patients with CLL/SLL once therapy resumed.

Neutropenia

Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurs commonly in patients receiving venetoclax as monotherapy or as a component of combination therapy. Baseline neutrophil count worsened in ≥95% of patients with AML receiving venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine. Neutropenia may recur with subsequent cycles.

Monitor CBC periodically during therapy. If hematologic toxicity occurs, temporary interruption of therapy or dosage modification may be required. Consider supportive therapy with hematopoietic growth factors (e.g., G-CSF) and/or anti-infective agents.

Infectious Complications

Fatal and serious infections (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis) reported.

Monitor for manifestations of infection and promptly initiate appropriate treatment. If grade 3 or 4 infection occurs, temporarily withhold therapy until resolution of infection; dosage reduction may be necessary. (See Tables 3 and 5 in Dosage and Administration.)

Immunization

Safety and efficacy of immunization with live, attenuated vaccines during or following venetoclax therapy not established. Immune response to vaccines may be reduced.

Avoid immunization with live, attenuated vaccines prior to, during, and following therapy until recovery of B-cell counts.

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

May cause fetal harm. Embryofetal toxicity (e.g., postimplantation loss, decreased fetal weight) demonstrated in animals; no evidence of teratogenicity.

Avoid pregnancy during therapy. Perform pregnancy testing in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating therapy; such women should use effective contraception during therapy and for ≥30 days after drug is discontinued. If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard.

Treatment-related Mortality

Increased mortality reported in patients with multiple myeloma [off-label] receiving venetoclax in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone; venetoclax is not currently FDA-labeled for use in patients with multiple myeloma. Use of this combination for the treatment of multiple myeloma outside of a controlled clinical trial is not recommended.

In a randomized, controlled phase 3 trial (BELLINI), risk of death was increased by 103% in patients with multiple myeloma receiving venetoclax in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone compared with those receiving bortezomib and dexamethasone. This trial was terminated at FDA's request. May continue therapy with venetoclax in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients experiencing benefit from the drug only after the risks associated with use of the drug combination have been discussed and a new written informed consent has been obtained.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

No available data in pregnant women; however, animal data suggest that drug may cause fetal harm.

Perform pregnancy testing prior to initiating treatment in females of reproductive potential.

Lactation

Not known whether distributed into human milk or if drug has any effect on milk production or nursing infants. Present in milk of lactating animals. Discontinue nursing during therapy and for 1 week after final dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential.

May impair male fertility. Perform pregnancy testing prior to initiating treatment in females of reproductive potential. Advise females of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for ≥30 days after drug is discontinued.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established.

In a juvenile toxicology study in animals, clinical signs of venetoclax toxicity observed in mice receiving venetoclax from 7 to 60 days of age.

Geriatric Use

CLL or SLL: No overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger patients.

AML: Insufficient data in younger adults to determine whether they respond differently from geriatric patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Principally eliminated by liver, but exposure not altered by mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Systemic exposure increased 2.7-fold in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) compared with those with normal hepatic function.

Renal Impairment

Systemic exposure not altered by mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Not evaluated in patients with end-stage renal disease or those requiring dialysis; not expected to be substantially removed by dialysis.

Patients with reduced renal function (Clcr <80 mL/minute) are at increased risk for tumor lysis syndrome and require more intensive prophylaxis and monitoring during initiation of therapy.

Common Adverse Effects

Monotherapy or in combination with obinutuzumab or rituximab in patients with CLL/SLL (≥20%): Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, edema.

Combination therapy with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine in patients with AML (≥30%): Nausea, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, constipation, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, vomiting, edema, pyrexia, pneumonia, dyspnea, hemorrhage, anemia, rash, abdominal pain, sepsis, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, cough, oropharyngeal pain, hypotension.

Drug Interactions

Principally metabolized by CYP3A4/5.

Weak inhibitor of CYP isoenzymes 2C8 and 2C9 and uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1; however, not expected to be clinically relevant.

In vitro, neither an inhibitor nor inducer of CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4. Does not inhibit UGT1A4, 1A6, 1A9, or 2B7.

Substrate and inhibitor of P-gp and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP); weak inhibitor of organic anion transport protein (OATP) 1B1. Does not inhibit OATP1B3, organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2, renal organic anion transporter (OAT) 1, OAT3, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) 1, and MATE2K.

Drugs and Foods Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Potent or moderate CYP3A inhibitors: Possible increased peak plasma concentrations and AUC of venetoclax, and increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome and other toxicities. Concomitant use may be contraindicated or dosage modification may be necessary as described in Tables 4 and 6 in patients with CLL/SLL or AML, respectively.

Moderate or potent CYP3A inducers: Possible decreased peak plasma concentrations and AUC of venetoclax. Avoid concomitant use and consider an alternative agent with no or minimal enzyme induction potential.

Drugs Affecting Efflux Transport Systems

Inhibitors of P-gp: Possible increased peak plasma concentrations and AUC of venetoclax; increased risk of toxicity. Reduce venetoclax dosage by at least 50% and monitor closely for signs of toxicity. When the P-gp inhibitor is discontinued, resume prior venetoclax dosage after 2–3 days.

Substrates of Efflux Transport Systems

P-gp substrates: Possible increased peak plasma concentrations and AUC of P-gp substrate drugs. Avoid concomitant use of venetoclax with P-gp substrates. If such concomitant use cannot be avoided, administer substrate drug ≥6 hours prior to venetoclax.

Drugs Affecting Gastric Acidity

Clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions not observed.

Specific Drugs and Foods

Drug or Food

Interaction

Comments

Antacids

No substantial change in pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Azacitidine

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Azithromycin

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Cytarabine

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Decitabine

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Digoxin

Increased digoxin peak plasma concentration and systemic exposure to digoxin due to P-gp inhibition by 35 and 9%, respectively

Avoid concomitant use

If concomitant use is necessary, administer digoxin ≥6 hours before venetoclax

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

Possible increased venetoclax concentrations

Avoid concomitant use

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists

No substantial change in pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Ketoconazole

Increased venetoclax AUC (by 540%) and peak concentrations (by 130%)

Concomitant use may be contraindicated or dosage modification may be necessary as described in Tables 4 and 6 in patients with CLL/SLL or AML, respectively

Obinutuzumab

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Posaconazole

Increased venetoclax AUC (by 90–144%) and peak concentrations (by 61–86%)

Concomitant use may be contraindicated or dosage modification may be necessary as described in Tables 4 and 6 in patients with CLL/SLL or AML, respectively

Proton-pump inhibitors

No substantial change in pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Rifampin

Decreased venetoclax AUC (by 71%) and peak concentrations (by 42%) with repeat dosing of rifampin

Increased venetoclax AUC (by 78%) and peak concentrations (by 106%) with single-dose administration of rifampin

Avoid concomitant use

Ritonavir

Increased venetoclax AUC (by 690%) and peak concentrations (by 140%)

Concomitant use may be contraindicated or dosage modification may be necessary as described in Tables 4 and 6 in patients with CLL/SLL or AML, respectively

Rituximab

No substantial change to pharmacokinetics of venetoclax

Seville oranges

Possible increased venetoclax concentrations

Avoid concomitant use

Starfruit

Possible increased venetoclax concentrations

Avoid concomitant use

Vaccines, inactivated

Immune response to vaccines may be reduced

Vaccines, live

Immune response to vaccines may be reduced

Avoid live vaccines

Warfarin

Increased warfarin AUC and peak concentrations by 18–28%

Closely monitor INR

Venetoclax Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range of 150–800 mg.

Following oral administration under fed conditions, peak plasma concentrations are attained in 5–8 hours.

Food

Oral administration with a low-fat or high-fat meal increases AUC by 3.4- and 5.2-fold, respectively.

Special Populations

In patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, systemic exposure similar to that in patients with normal hepatic function. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, systemic exposure increased 2.7-fold compared with patients with normal hepatic function.

In patients with mild to severe renal impairment, systemic exposure similar to that in patients with normal renal function. Pharmacokinetics not studied in patients with end-stage renal disease or those requiring dialysis.

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether distributed into milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

>99%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Metabolized principally by CYP3A4/5 to the major metabolite, M27.

Elimination Route

Eliminated in feces (99.9%) and urine (<0.1%) within 9 days.

Half-life

Mean terminal half-life approximately 26 hours.

Special Populations

Age (range: 19–93 years), sex, and body weight do not substantially affect pharmacokinetics of venetoclax.

No clinically important pharmacokinetic differences between White, Black, and Asian patients enrolled in clinical studies conducted in the US. Venetoclax exposure was 63% higher in Asian patients from Asian countries compared with non-Asian populations.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

≤30°C.

Store tablets in original starting pack packaging during initial 4 weeks of CLL/SLL therapy.

Actions

Advice to Patients

Advise patients to keep venetoclax in its original container, including the titration pack for CLL/SLL. Importance of taking venetoclax exactly as prescribed with food and water. Avoid grapefruit products, Seville oranges, and starfruit while taking the drug.

Importance of advising patients to swallow venetoclax tablets whole and to not chew, crush, or break the tablets.

If a dose is missed, importance of advising patients to take it as soon as they remember and resume the next dose at the regularly scheduled time unless the dose was missed by more than 8 hours, in which case they should not take the missed dose. If a dose is vomited, importance of administering the next dose at the regularly scheduled time; an additional dose should not be administered to make up for a missed dose.

Risk of tumor lysis syndrome, particularly during initiation of therapy, initial dose escalation, and resumption of therapy following dosage interruption. Venetoclax may need to be administered in the hospital or medical office setting to allow monitoring for tumor lysis syndrome. Importance of maintaining scheduled appointments for blood work and other laboratory tests. Importance of immediately reporting any signs or symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome (e.g., fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, seizure, arrhythmia, dark or cloudy urine, fatigue, muscle pain, joint discomfort). Importance of advising patients to maintain adequate hydration during venetoclax therapy. The recommended volume is 6–8 glasses (approximately 56 ounces) a day. Patients should start drinking water 2 days before initiating venetoclax, on the day of the first dose, and each time the dose is increased.

Risk of neutropenia. Importance of monitoring complete blood cell (CBC) counts periodically during venetoclax therapy. Importance of immediately reporting any signs or symptoms of infection (e.g., fever).

Risk of infection; importance of immediately reporting any signs or symptoms of infection (e.g., fever).

Importance of avoiding vaccination with live vaccines prior to, during, and following venetoclax therapy until B-cell count recovery.

Risk of fetal harm. Necessity of advising females of childbearing potential that they should use an effective method of contraception while receiving the drug and for at least 30 days after discontinuance of therapy. Importance of females informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, advise pregnant patients of potential risk to the fetus.

Risk of male infertility.

Importance of advising females to avoid breast-feeding while receiving venetoclax and for 1 week after the last dose.

Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and dietary or herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses.

Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Venetoclax can only be obtained through designated specialty pharmacies and distributors. Contact manufacturer for specific availability information.

Venetoclax

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

10 mg

Venclexta

Genentech

50 mg

Venclexta

Genentech

100 mg

Venclexta

Genentech

Titration Pack (CLL/SLL)

14 Tablets, Venetoclax 10 mg (Venclexta)

7 Tablets, Venetoclax 50 mg (Venclexta)

7 Tablets, Venetoclax 100 mg (Venclexta)

14 Tablets, Venetoclax 100 mg (Venclexta)

Venclexta Starting Pack (CLL/SLL)

Genentech

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions October 13, 2022. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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