Venetoclax

treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is the first medication to target a protein, which is involved with cancer growth, called BCL-2 protein.

Venetoclax Overview

Reviewed: April 13, 2016
Updated: 

Venetoclax is a prescription medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Venetoclax belongs to a group of drugs called B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein inhibitors. It works to stop cancer cells from growing. 

It is available as tablets and is typically taken once daily with a meal and water. Do not chew, crush, or break tablets.

Common side effects of venetoclax include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. 

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Venetoclax Cautionary Labels

precautionsprecautionsprecautionsprecautions

Uses of Venetoclax

Venetoclax is a prescription medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Venetoclax is approved for those who have a 17p deletion (a chromosomal abnormality) and who have been treated with at least one prior therapy.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Venetoclax Brand Names

Venetoclax may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Venetoclax Drug Class

Venetoclax is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Venetoclax

Serious side effects have been reported with venetoclax. See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects include:

  • a decrease in blood cell counts
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • fatigue

This is not a complete list of side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.