New indication for VENCLEXTA(R) (venetoclax tablets)
On June 8, 2018, VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax tablets) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), with or without 17p deletion, who have received at least one prior therapy.
Genentech BioOncology® Access Solutions is your resource for access and reimbursement support after VENCLEXTA is prescribed. We can help your patients by providing:
- Benefits investigations (BIs)
- Prior authorization (PA) resources
- Information about authorized specialty pharmacies (SPs) and specialty distributors
- Sample billing and coding information
- Resources for denials and appeals
- Patient assistance options
A list of authorized specialty pharmacies and specialty distributors is available at Genentech-Access.com/VENCLEXTA.
For more information about Genentech BioOncology Access Solutions, please contact me directly, visit Genentech-Access.com/VENCLEXTA or call (888) 249-4918.
Indication and Important Safety Information
Indication
- VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax tablets) is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), with or without 17p deletion, who have received at least one prior therapy.
Important Safety Information
Contraindication
- Concomitant use of VENCLEXTA withstrongCYP3A inhibitors at initiation and during ramp-up phase is contraindicated 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 previously treated CLL patients with high tumor burden treated with VENCLEXTA.
- VENCLEXTA poses a risk for TLS in the initial 5-week 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 (CrCl <80 mL/min) 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 and P-gp inhibitors may increase the risk of TLS at initiation and during the ramp-up phase, and may require dose adjustment due to increases in VENCLEXTA exposure.
Neutropenia
- Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia developed in 64% (124/194) of patients treated with VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab and in 63% (216/344) of patients treated with VENCLEXTA monotherapy. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 4% of patients treated with VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab and in 6% of patients treated with VENCLEXTA monotherapy. Monitor complete blood counts throughout treatment. 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).
Immunization
- Do not administer live attenuated vaccines prior to, during, or after treatment with VENCLEXTA until B-cell recovery. 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.
Adverse Reactions
- In combination with rituximab, serious adverse reactions were reported in 46% of patients, with the most frequent (≥5%) being 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%).
- As monotherapy, serious adverse reactions were reported in 52% of patients, with the most frequent (≥5%) being 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%).
Drug Interactions
- For patients who have completed the ramp-up phase and are on a steady daily dose of VENCLEXTA, reduce the dose by at least 75% when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Resume the VENCLEXTA dose that was used prior to initiating the CYP3A inhibitor 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the inhibitor.
- Avoid concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors or P-gp inhibitors. If an inhibitor must be used, reduce the VENCLEXTA dose by at least 50%. Monitor patients more closely for signs of VENCLEXTA toxicities. Resume the VENCLEXTA dose that was used prior to initiating the CYP3A inhibitor or 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 narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates. If these substrates must be used, they should be taken 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.
Please see full Prescribing Information for Indication and additional Important Safety Information.
