Doctors use venetoclax to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CML), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), acute myeloid leukemia. It works by blocking the protein BCL-2 that helps cancer cells to survive. By blocking this protein venetoclax helps to the growth of cancer cells even death. It is a targeted therapy that target specific cancer cells.

Venetoclax Side Effects

Venetoclax can cause a number of side effects, some of which can be serious. The most common side effects of venetoclax include:

Low blood cell counts (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia): This can increase your risk of infection, bleeding, and fatigue. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts regularly and may adjust your dose or delay treatment if your counts are too low.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): This is a serious condition that can occur when cancer cells die too quickly. Symptoms of TLS can include fever, muscle aches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of TLS and may give you medication to help prevent it.

Diarrhea: This is a very common side effect of venetoclax. Your doctor can recommend ways to manage diarrhea, such as over-the-counter medications or changes in your diet.

Nausea: This can also be a common side effect of venetoclax. There are medications that can help to prevent or treat nausea.

Fatigue: This is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. There are things you can do to manage fatigue, such as getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet.

Venetoclax(ventoxen) Price:

Vetoxen 100mg made by Everest Pharmaceutical, cost 34,800 BDT.

Venetoclax Success Rate:

Venetoclax shows promising results for both Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), but the success rate can vary depending on the specific type and stage of leukemia being treated. Here's a breakdown:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):

Overall response rate: Venetoclax used alone shows a response rate of 70% to 80%, with complete remission achieved in around 6% of patients [Drugs.com].

Progression-free survival (PFS):

Studies show significantly improved PFS when venetoclax is combined with other medications like obinutuzumab or rituximab. For instance, a 6-year follow-up study reported a PFS rate of 53.1% with venetoclax compared to 21.7% with standard treatment (chlorambucil) [OncLive].

Overall survival (OS): Data suggests a potential survival benefit. One study showed a 1-year OS rate of 79.4% with venetoclax compared to 68.0% without it in a specific patient group [Blood - American Society of Hematology].

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):

Complete remission (CR):

Studies on venetoclax for AML in older patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy show a CR rate of 21% to 37% depending on the combination therapy used [Drugs.com].

Median remission duration: Data suggests remissions can last anywhere from a few months to over two years [Drugs.com].

Important to Consider:

These are just general figures, and individual results may differ based on factors like age, overall health, and specific leukemia characteristics.

Venetoclax is often used in combination with other medications, and the success rate reflects those combined approaches.

Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate venetoclax in different treatment settings, so success rates may improve in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Venetoclax

How long does venetoclax stays in your system?

The exact amount of time venetoclax stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, including:

Dosage: Higher doses of venetoclax will naturally take longer for your body to process and eliminate.

Liver function: Your liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing and removing venetoclax from your body. If you have any liver problems, it may take longer for the medication to clear your system.

Kidney function: The kidneys also play a role in eliminating venetoclax, so any kidney issues could affect how long it stays in your body.