From the Guidelines
Venetoclax is an oral medication, as indicated by its administration in various studies, including a phase Ib study where patients received venetoclax and decitabine or azacitidine, with daily target doses for venetoclax ranging from 400 mg to 1200 mg 1. The oral route of administration is a key characteristic of venetoclax, allowing for outpatient treatment and enhancing patient convenience.
- Key points about venetoclax administration include:
- Oral administration with a meal and water to enhance absorption
- Available in different strengths to allow for appropriate dosing
- Typically administered once daily
- May involve a gradual increase over several weeks to minimize the risk of tumor lysis syndrome
- The mechanism of action of venetoclax involves inhibiting the BCL-2 protein, promoting cancer cell death through apoptosis, as noted in its use for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine 1. The efficacy and safety of venetoclax have been evaluated in several studies, including those in older patients with previously untreated AML, demonstrating its potential as a treatment option for this patient population 1.
From the Research
Venetoclax Administration
Dosage and Pharmacokinetics
- The oral administration of venetoclax allows for once-daily dosing, with or without food 6
- Peak exposures are achieved at 5 to 8 hours under low-fat conditions, and the mean terminal-phase elimination half-life ranges between 14.1 and 18.2 hours at different doses 6
- Venetoclax steady-state exposures show minimal accumulation and increase proportionally over the dose range of 300 to 900 mg 6