Venetomed 100mg Tablet is used for:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): Used to treat adults with this type of blood cancer, either alone or in combination with other anticancer medicines.

• Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): Used to treat adults with this type of lymphoma, which is closely related to CLL.

• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML): Used in combination with azacitidine, decitabine or low-dose cytarabine in newly diagnosed adults aged 75 years or older, or those with medical conditions that prevent intensive chemotherapy.

The doctor decides the appropriate treatment combination, dose and duration based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Venetomed 100mg Tablet contains Venetoclax, which blocks a protein called B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). This protein helps cancer cells survive by preventing their natural destruction.

By blocking BCL-2, Venetoclax allows cancer cells to undergo a natural process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). This helps reduce the number of cancer cells and control the progression of the disease.

Some medicines can affect the amount of Venetoclax in the body, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take.

• Strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors: Certain antifungal medicines and antibiotics can increase Venetoclax levels and the risk of side effects, including tumour lysis syndrome. Dose adjustments or alternative medicines may be required. Strong CYP3A inhibitors must not be used during the initial dose-increase phase in patients with CLL/SLL.

• CYP3A inducers: Medicines such as rifampicin, carbamazepine and phenytoin can reduce Venetoclax levels and make treatment less effective. Their combined use should be avoided.

• P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors: These can increase Venetoclax levels and the risk of toxicity. Your doctor may need to adjust the treatment.

• Warfarin: Venetoclax can increase warfarin levels and the risk of bleeding. More frequent blood clotting tests may be required.

• P-gp substrates: Venetoclax can increase the levels of certain medicines that are transported by P-glycoprotein, potentially increasing their side effects.

• Grapefruit, Seville oranges and starfruit: These can affect how Venetoclax is broken down in the body and increase its levels. Avoid consuming these during treatment.

Do not start, stop or change any medicine without discussing it with your doctor.

• Store Venetomed 100mg Tablet according to the instructions provided on the product packaging.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging or container to protect them from moisture.

• Store at or below 30°C, subject to the Indian product packaging instructions.

• Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

• Take Venetomed 100mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• It is generally taken orally once daily, at approximately the same time each day.

• Take the tablet with a meal and a glass of water.

• Swallow the tablet as directed. If you have difficulty swallowing it, consult your doctor before crushing or altering the tablet.

• Treatment is usually started at a lower dose and increased gradually according to the prescribed schedule. This helps reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome.

• The dose-increase schedule differs depending on the type of cancer and the other medicines used alongside Venetoclax.

• Drink adequate fluids and attend all scheduled blood tests and monitoring appointments.

• Do not change the dose, interrupt treatment or restart it after a prolonged interruption without consulting your doctor.

Important: Venetomed 100mg Tablet is one of the available strengths of Venetoclax. It is not necessarily the starting dose. Follow the prescribed dose-increase schedule rather than starting with the 100 mg tablet independently.

Venetomed 100mg Tablet may cause side effects in some people. The occurrence and severity of Venetomed 100 mg side effects can vary depending on the treatment combination and individual response.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

• Anaemia

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Swelling (oedema)

• Muscle and joint pain

Serious side effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS): Rapid breakdown of cancer cells can cause changes in blood chemicals and may lead to kidney problems, irregular heartbeat or seizures.

• Severe infections: Reduced white blood cell counts can increase the risk of serious infections, including pneumonia and sepsis.

• Severe bleeding: A low platelet count can increase the risk of unusual bruising or bleeding.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills, unusual tiredness, dark urine, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or other symptoms that may indicate a serious complication.

• Follow the prescribed dose-increase schedule carefully. Do not start with a higher dose or increase it independently.

• Drink adequate fluids as advised by your doctor, particularly when starting treatment and during dose increases, to help reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome.

• Attend scheduled blood tests to monitor blood cell counts, kidney function and blood chemistry.

• Report fever, chills or signs of infection promptly, as treatment can lower white blood cell counts.

• Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take before starting Venetomed 100mg Tablet.

• Avoid grapefruit, Seville oranges and starfruit throughout treatment.

• Do not take an additional tablet if you vomit after taking your prescribed dose. Take the next dose at its usual time and inform your doctor.

• If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions. Do not double the next dose to compensate.

• Do not restart treatment after a prolonged interruption without medical advice, as the dose may need to be adjusted to reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome.

• Inform your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or if you become pregnant during treatment.