Venetoclax is a drug that stops BCL-2, a protein that helps cancer cells live. It’s used for two types of leukemia: CLL and AML. It makes cancer cells commit suicide.
You can get this medicine in three strengths: 10mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. For CLL, you start with a low dose and build up to 400mg a day, usually with meals. These tablets come in bottles with 120 pills in each.
It works by stopping the BCL-2 protein, which is a big deal for cancer cells to live. This way, it helps cancer cells die without hurting normal ones too much. It’s been a good option for CLL, especially for people whose other treatments didn’t work.
People think it works so well because it makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemo and other cancer fighters. It’s also used with other treatments for AML. Some side effects might be nausea, throwing up, diarrhea, constipation, and feeling tired.
It’s a targeted drug, which means it goes after cancer cells and can help cut down on side effects more than regular chemo.
