Venetoclax
Venetoclax is an oral targeted therapy that inhibits the BCL-2 protein, which is overexpressed in certain blood cancers and helps malignant cells survive. By blocking this anti-apoptotic protein, venetoclax restores the natural process of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. It is primarily used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Venetoclax is an oral BCL-2 inhibitor used for blood cancers like CLL and AML that works by forcing cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX52
- RxNorm
- 1747556
- Generic
- Venetoclax
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Venclexta
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Venetoclax is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other agents depending on the specific indication and treatment setting.
Venetoclax is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of the BCL-2 protein. BCL-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that prevents programmed cell death. In cancers like CLL and AML, BCL-2 is often overexpressed, allowing malignant cells to survive. By binding to and inhibiting BCL-2, venetoclax restores the apoptotic pathway, enabling cancer cells to self-destruct.
Venetoclax is taken orally once daily. Treatment typically starts at a low dose with gradual escalation to reduce the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), particularly in patients with high tumor burden. Drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as certain antifungals and antibiotics) require dose adjustments. Regular monitoring of blood counts and electrolytes is important during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy