Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Venclexta. It helps treat a certain type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may have other uses, too.

Venclexta is often taken one time a day at about the same time each day. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should take it with a meal and a glass of water. Be sure to swallow the tablet whole. 

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and an upper respiratory infection. You could also feel a little tired. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, more serious effects can occur. With Venclexta, this includes tumor lysis syndrome or 'TLS'. TLS happens when cancer cells breakdown quickly. To lower the risk of TLS, your doctor will start with a low dose, and then will increase your dose slowly. You should drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of TLS. Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink. 

Venclexta can cause low blood cell counts. Low blood cell counts are common, but they can be serious. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order blood tests. 

Drug and food interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines and before getting vaccines. Also, do not eat grapefruit, Seville oranges, or starfruit, and do not drink their fruit juices.

Venclexta can harm unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control to use, and women should not breastfeed.

For best results with Venclexta, you should read the Medication Guide for full information.