Venetoclax Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 25, 2024.

Applies to venetoclax: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Venetoclax

Along with its needed effects, venetoclax may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking venetoclax:

More common

• Black, tarry stools
• bladder pain
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• body aches or pain
• bone pain
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• cough
• coughing up blood
• decreased urine
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• difficulty in moving
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• increased thirst
• itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramps, pains, or stiffness
• muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching seizures
• nausea
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pale skin
• paralysis
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• rapid weight gain
• rapid, shallow breathing
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• seizures
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• sneezing
• sore throat
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trembling
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Less common

• Diarrhea
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• irritability
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

Incidence not known

• Ear congestion
• runny or stuffy nose
• stomach pain
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

Other side effects of Venetoclax

Some side effects of venetoclax may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Back pain
• decreased appetite
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• mouth or throat pain

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to venetoclax: oral kit, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (35%), nausea (33%), vomiting (15%), constipation (14%)^[Ref]

General

The most common adverse reactions (20% or greater) of any grade were neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (45%), anemia (29%), thrombocytopenia (22%)

Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia

Frequency not reported: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Hyperkalemia (20%), hyperphosphatemia (15%), hypokalemia (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Tumor lysis syndrome, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Back pain (10%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (15%)^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (21%), pyrexia (16%), peripheral edema (11%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (22%), cough (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is Venclexta (venetoclax) chemotherapy?
• How effective is Venclexta?
• How long do you take Venclexta for?
• Can Venclexta be used for Multiple Myeloma?
• How is Venclexta (venetoclax) used for AML?
• How does Venclexta work?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer