Venetoclax is a targeted drug used in the treatment of a variety of hematologic malignancies, mainly by blocking the activity of BCL-2 protein to promote apoptosis of tumor cells. Venetoclax is a small molecule targeted therapy that is now also being used for conditions such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma.

What is the dosage of venetoclax?

For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the dose-escalation regimen of venetoclax typically begins on Day 1 of Cycle 1 and lasts for 3 to 4 days. The specific dosage schedule is 100 mg orally daily on day 1, 200 mg daily on day 2, and 400 mg daily on day 3. This escalation regimen helps patients gradually adjust to the drug.

From day 4 onwards, patients will continue to take daily medication according to the treatment regimen. The specific dose is 400 mg daily in combination with azacitidine or decitabine every 28 days. Another regimen is 600 mg daily in combination with low-dose cytarabine, again every 28 days.

What are the precautions for venetoclax?

Patients should also be aware of the following when treated with venetoclax:

1. Embryo-fetal toxicity warning

Animal experiments and the mechanism of action of the drug have shown that venetoclax has potential harm to pregnant women and embryo-fetuses. Mouse embryo-fetal studies have shown that venetoclax exposure, equivalent to a patient's daily dose of 400 mg, can lead to postimplantation miscarriage and fetal weight loss. Venetoclax should be avoided in pregnant women.

2. Contraindications for the combination of venetoclax

In trials of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, venetoclax was found to increase mortality in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone.

Venetoclax is not recommended in combination with these two drugs for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, except in controlled clinical trials.

Venetoclax Adverse Reactions?

The use of venetoclax also comes with a range of potential side effects, and the common adverse reactions are listed below according to the label:

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is one of the most common adverse reactions of venetoclax therapy that requires close monitoring. Patients may have a significantly decreased white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections, including severe, even life-threatening infections.

During treatment, routine blood tests should be monitored regularly, and treatment should be adjusted according to severity or prophylactic antibiotics should be given.

[Warm tips] The use of any medication is accompanied by certain risks and potential side effects, if patients experience discomfort during the process of taking the drug, please seek medical attention in time for professional help.