Venetoclax and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2024

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "I am just ending month 11 of venetoclax, teaming it up with obinutuzumab for the first 6 months. My blood work has been normal for 6 months. A bone marrow biopsy showed no CLL cells last week. I experienced sore joints, sore muscles, and a cumulative (worsening) lack of energy and exhaustion. It seemed to be worse month after month. I also gained 60 pounds over the 11 months of treatment. I worked up to 400 mg daily. I am looking forward to stopping venetoclax and hope these troublesome side effects dissipate."

• Gig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2025

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "Venetoclax has been very effective. My blood work is now very normal. I’m moderately allergic and have had a bunch of side effects, but most are no big deal. I tend to have reactions to medicines, while my wife seldom does. They are in order of increasing severity: slight numbness on the tops of my feet, slight rash at times on my face, tender nipples, hungry much of the time causing slight weight gain, tiredness but with being a bit jumpy a while after the dose, and stomach troubles if I eat anything a little acidic or spicy-no salsa, tomato sauce, or even OJ. These are all a small price to pay for the drug’s effectiveness, although the last two side effects are beginning to get to me."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 10, 2024

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "I was on V&O, and it is a tough but fantastic combination. Love the fact that I could take V at home. Had to step back month 9 from 400 to 300 as tox'd, as diagnosed by side effects (stomach, lethargy, and general feeling malaise), but the last three months were a breeze. Weight gain unwelcome."

• Liz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2024

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "Finished my venetoclax / obinutuzumab year-long treatment in May. Excellent drugs. Little or no side effects. Could continue with my life as usual for the duration. Some mild tiredness, but nothing else. With the exception of weight gain, it's been win-win. Don't hesitate. It's literally life-changing."