Risk assessment, prophylaxis, and monitoring measures for TLS¹

The risk of TLS is a continuum based on multiple factors, including tumor burden and comorbidities. Reduced renal function (CLcr <80 mL/min) further increases the risk
Changes in blood chemistries consistent with TLS that require prompt management can occur as early as 6 to 8 hours following the first dose and each dose increase

Venclexta CLL Risk Assesment

*Start allopurinol or xanthine oxidase inhibitor 2-3 days prior to initiation of VENCLEXTA (venetoclax tablets).
^†1.5-2 L of water (6-8 glasses) should be consumed every day starting 2 days before the first dose and throughout the ramp-up phase, especially the first day of each dose increase. Administer intravenous hydration for any patient who cannot tolerate oral hydration.
^‡Review in real time.
^§For patients at risk of TLS, monitor blood chemistries at 6-8 hours and at 24 hours at each subsequent ramp-up dose.

TLS=tumor lysis syndrome; CLcr=creatinine clearance; ALC=absolute lymphocyte count; LN=lymph node.

Blood chemistry monitoring: potassium, calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, uric acid (review in real time).

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Important Safety Information

Contraindication

Concomitant use of VENCLEXTA with strong CYP3A inhibitors at initiation and during ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with CLL/SLL due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome, including fatal events and renal failure requiring dialysis, has occurred in patients with high tumor burden when treated with VENCLEXTA.
In patients with CLL who followed the current (5 week) dose ramp-up and the TLS prophylaxis and monitoring measures, the rate of TLS was 2% in the VENCLEXTA CLL monotherapy studies. The rate of TLS remained consistent with VENCLEXTA in combination with obinutuzumab or rituximab. With a 2 to 3 week dose ramp-up and higher starting dose in patients with CLL/SLL, the TLS rate was 13% and included deaths and renal failure.
VENCLEXTA poses a risk for TLS at initiation and during the ramp-up phase. Changes in blood chemistries consistent with TLS that require prompt management can occur as early as 6 to 8 hours following the first dose of VENCLEXTA and at each dose increase.
Patients should be assessed for TLS risk, including evaluation of tumor burden and comorbidities, and should receive appropriate prophylaxis for TLS, including hydration and anti-hyperuricemics. Reduced renal function further increases the risk. Monitor blood chemistries and manage abnormalities promptly. Interrupt dosing if needed. Employ more intensive measures (IV hydration, frequent monitoring, hospitalization) as overall risk increases.
Concomitant use of VENCLEXTA with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or P-gp inhibitors may increase the risk of TLS at initiation and during the ramp-up phase, and requires dose adjustment due to increases in VENCLEXTA exposure.

Neutropenia

In patients with CLL, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia developed in 63% to 64% of patients and Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 31% to 33% of patients treated with VENCLEXTA in combination and monotherapy studies. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 4% to 6% of patients treated with VENCLEXTA in combination and monotherapy studies.
In patients with AML, baseline neutrophil counts worsened in 97% to 100% of patients treated with VENCLEXTA in combination with azacitidine or decitabine or low-dose cytarabine. Neutropenia can recur with subsequent cycles of therapy.
Monitor complete blood counts throughout the treatment period. Interrupt dosing or reduce dose for severe neutropenia. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF).

Infections

Fatal and serious infections such as pneumonia and sepsis have occurred in patients treated with VENCLEXTA. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly. Withhold VENCLEXTA for Grade 3 and higher infection.

Immunization

Do not administer live attenuated vaccines prior to, during, or after treatment with VENCLEXTA until B-cell recovery occurs. Advise patients that vaccinations may be less effective.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

VENCLEXTA may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid pregnancy during treatment.

Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma when VENCLEXTA is Added to Bortezomib and Dexamethasone

In a randomized trial (BELLINI; NCT02755597) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the addition of VENCLEXTA to bortezomib plus dexamethasone, a use for which VENCLEXTA is not indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with VENCLEXTA in combination with bortezomib plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Adverse Reactions

In patients with CLL receiving combination therapy with obinutuzumab, serious adverse reactions were most often due to febrile neutropenia and pneumonia (5% each). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade were neutropenia (60%), diarrhea (28%), and fatigue (21%).
In patients with CLL receiving combination therapy with rituximab, the most frequent serious adverse reaction (≥5%) was pneumonia (9%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade were neutropenia (65%), diarrhea (40%), upper respiratory tract infection (39%), fatigue (22%), cough (22%), and nausea (21%).
In patients with CLL/SLL receiving monotherapy, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were pneumonia (9%), febrile neutropenia (5%), and sepsis (5%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade were neutropenia (50%), diarrhea (43%), nausea (42%), upper respiratory tract infection (36%), anemia (33%), fatigue (32%), thrombocytopenia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (29%), edema (22%), and cough (22%).
In patients with AML receiving combination therapy with azacitidine, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia (excluding fungal), sepsis (excluding fungal), respiratory failure, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) of any grade were nausea (58%), diarrhea (54%), constipation (49%), neutropenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (49%), hemorrhage (46%), peripheral edema (46%), vomiting (40%), fatigue (36%), febrile neutropenia (36%), rash (33%), and anemia (30%).
In patients with AML receiving combination therapy with decitabine, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were febrile neutropenia, sepsis (excluding fungal), pneumonia (excluding fungal), diarrhea, fatigue, cellulitis, and localized infection. The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) of any grade were febrile neutropenia (69%), constipation (62%), fatigue (62%), thrombocytopenia (54%), abdominal pain (46%), dizziness (46%), hemorrhage (46%), nausea (46%), pneumonia (excluding fungal) (46%), sepsis (excluding fungal) (46%), cough (38%), diarrhea (38%), neutropenia (38%), back pain (31%), hypotension (31%), myalgia (31%), oropharyngeal pain (31%), peripheral edema (31%), pyrexia (31%), and rash (31%).
In patients with AML receiving combination therapy with low-dose cytarabine, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were febrile neutropenia, sepsis (excluding fungal), hemorrhage, pneumonia (excluding fungal), and device-related infection. The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) of any grade were nausea (64%), thrombocytopenia (59%), hemorrhage (49%), febrile neutropenia (46%), neutropenia (46%), diarrhea (44%), fatigue (44%), constipation (33%), and dyspnea (31%).

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor increases VENCLEXTA exposure, which may increase VENCLEXTA toxicities, including the risk of TLS. Adjust VENCLEXTA dosage and closely monitor patients for signs of VENCLEXTA toxicities. Resume the VENCLEXTA dosage that was used prior to concomitant use of a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the inhibitor.
Patients should avoid grapefruit products, Seville oranges, and starfruit during treatment as they contain inhibitors of CYP3A.
Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers.
Avoid concomitant use of VENCLEXTA with a P-gp substrate. If concomitant use is unavoidable, separate dosing of the P-gp substrate at least 6 hours before VENCLEXTA.
Monitor international normalized ratio (INR) closely in patients receiving warfarin.

Lactation

Advise nursing women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with VENCLEXTA.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VENCLEXTA and for at least 30 days after the last dose.
Based on findings in animals, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with VENCLEXTA.

Hepatic Impairment

Reduce the dose of VENCLEXTA for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C); monitor these patients more closely for signs of toxicity. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Indications

VENCLEXTA is indicated:

For the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
In combination with azacitidine, or decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults who:
- are 75 years of age or older, or
- have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy.
  This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rates. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

VENCLEXTA^® is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc.

GAZYVA^® is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.