Venetomed 10mg Tablet is used for:

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

• Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): Used as part of treatment regimens for adults with this type of lymphoma.

• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML): Used in combination with medicines such as Azacitidine, Decitabine or low-dose Cytarabine in eligible adults who are unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy.

The doctor decides the appropriate treatment combination, dose and duration based on the type of cancer and the patient's medical condition.

Venetomed 10mg Tablet contains Venetoclax, which blocks a protein called B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). This protein helps cancer cells survive by preventing their natural cell death.

In certain blood cancers, BCL-2 is present in increased amounts, allowing abnormal cells to survive for longer than they should. Venetoclax blocks this protein and helps activate the natural process of programmed cell death (apoptosis). This reduces the survival of cancer cells and helps control the disease.

Some medicines can change the amount of Venetoclax in the body, potentially affecting its safety and effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take.

• Antifungal medicines: Medicines such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole and Voriconazole can increase Venetoclax levels and the risk of side effects. Dose adjustments or alternative medicines may be required.

• Antibiotics: Medicines such as Clarithromycin and Erythromycin can increase Venetoclax levels. Your doctor may need to adjust the treatment dose.

• Antiviral medicines: Ritonavir-containing medicines can increase Venetoclax exposure and may require dose modification.

• Antiepileptic medicines: Carbamazepine and Phenytoin can reduce Venetoclax levels and make the treatment less effective. Their combined use should generally be avoided.

• Tuberculosis medicines: Rifampicin can reduce Venetoclax levels and affect treatment effectiveness. Concomitant use should be avoided.

• Herbal supplements: St John's wort can reduce Venetoclax levels and should not be used during treatment.

Avoid grapefruit, Seville oranges and starfruit during treatment, as they can increase Venetoclax levels. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without consulting your doctor.

• Store Venetomed 10mg Tablet according to the instructions provided on the product packaging.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging until required.

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

• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.

• Take Venetomed 10mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush it unless your doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise.

• Take the tablet with a meal and water, preferably at the same time each day.

• The treatment dose is usually increased gradually to reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS), a condition that occurs when cancer cells break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream.

• The starting dose and dose-escalation schedule depend on the type of cancer and the medicines used in combination.

• Your doctor may recommend adequate fluid intake, preventive medicines and regular blood tests before and during treatment.

• If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take an extra dose to compensate without medical advice.

Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor.

Venetomed 10mg Tablet may cause side effects in some people, although not everyone experiences them. The side effects can also vary depending on the type of cancer and other medicines used alongside Venetoclax.

Common side effects

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Pneumonia

Serious side effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of serious complications, including:

• Tumour lysis syndrome: Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, unusual tiredness, confusion or irregular heartbeat.

• Severe infections: Fever, chills, persistent cough or difficulty breathing.

• Severe reduction in blood cells: Unusual bleeding, easy bruising, persistent fever or extreme weakness.

Tumour lysis syndrome can occur when cancer cells break down rapidly, particularly during the initial stages of treatment and dose escalation. It requires prompt medical attention.

• Take Venetomed 10mg Tablet exactly as prescribed and follow the dose-escalation schedule given by your oncologist.

• Do not increase the dose on your own, even if you feel well.

• Maintain adequate hydration as advised by your doctor, especially during the initial treatment period.

• Attend all scheduled blood tests to monitor blood cell counts, kidney function and electrolyte levels.

• Report fever, chills, unusual bleeding or signs of infection promptly.

• Avoid grapefruit, Seville oranges and starfruit during treatment.

• Inform your doctor about all medicines and herbal supplements you take to prevent potentially harmful interactions.

• Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless your specialist confirms they are appropriate.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Do not stop treatment or restart it after an interruption without consulting your oncologist.