For more information about AbbVie, the maker of VENCLEXTA, visit www.AbbVie.co.nz
For Medical Information Enquiries regarding VENCLEXTA please contact medinfoanz@abbvie.com

Consumer Medicine Information:
The content on this site is intended solely for New Zealand residents. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace a discussion with a healthcare professional. All decisions made regarding patient care must be handled by a healthcare professional and be made based on the unique needs of each patient.
This website has been developed and is funded by AbbVie Limited, Wellington.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VENCLEXTA®
Venclexta is a prescription medicine containing venetoclax, which blocks a protein that helps cancer cells survive. Venclexta is available as film-coated tablets of various strength (10 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg venetoclax). It is used, in combination with obinutuzumab to treat patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) that has not been treated before. Venclexta is taken in combination with rituximab or alone, to treat patients with CLL or SLL when the condition comes back after it has already been treated. Your doctor will determine which treatment is suitable for your condition. Typically, you will begin treatment with Venclexta at a low dose for 1 week. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose over the following four weeks to the full standard dose. Use strictly as directed by your doctor.

VENCLEXTA has risks and benefits. You must not take it if you are allergic to venetoclax or to any of the inactive ingredients. Do not take it if you are taking certain medicines broken down in the liver, including: ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin or ritonavir. Do not drink grapefruit juice, or eat grapefruit, starfruit or Seville oranges or marmalades. Do not give Venclexta to children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Do not take Venclexta if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Tell your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled for any vaccinations.
VENCLEXTA can cause tumour lysis syndrome (TLS), which is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS is a very serious side effect that can be fatal. TLS is most likely to occur when you are first starting treatment. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have or have had heart, kidney or liver problems. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you experience: fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, fits or seizures, feeling unusually tired, or muscle pain or discomfort while on treatment with Venclexta. Ensure you follow all your doctor’s instructions carefully. Tell your doctor immediately if you have signs of an infection before or while taking Venclexta, including fever, chills, feeling weak or confused, cough, or pain or burning feeling when passing urine. Some of the more common side effects of Venclexta include feeling very tired, feeling sick, unusual weakness or lack of energy, tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath when exercising, dizziness and looking pale, diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased appetite, cough, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Some medicines and Venclexta may interfere with each other, so tell your doctor if you are taking medicines containing any of the following: fluconazole, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, azithromycin, nafcillin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, efavirenz, etravirine, captopril, carvedilol, felodipine, quinidine, ranolazine, bosentan, verapamil, diltiazem, modafinil, herbal medicines; St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and quercetin, warfarin, amiodarone, ticagrelor, digoxin, dronedarone, everolimus, sirolimus and ciclosporin. Tell any other doctors, pharmacists, dentists or surgeons treating you that you are taking Venclexta and remind them before you start any new medicines.

If you have any questions about using Venclexta, including its risks and benefits, how much to use, how and when to use it, or storage conditions, ask your healthcare professional and refer to the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or free phone 0800 900 030. Ask your doctor if Venclexta is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue, or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

VENCLEXTA® in combination with rituximab is fully funded for relapsed refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Special authority criteria apply. Normal prescription charges and doctor's fees apply. Venclexta® is supplied in New Zealand by: AbbVie Limited, 6th floor, 156-158 Victoria Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand Tel: 0800 900 030. Version 5a based on CMI version 7 dated November 2019.

TAPS PP 4816. NZ-VENC-190038. Prepared November 2019.