Venetoclax therapy- bloodshot eye

[aloneifly]

I suddenly have a bloodshot eye.

I have CLL and starting today on 200mg ramp up on Venetoclax.

Has anyone else experienced this.

I saw my consultant yesterday but she didn't seem concerned about it.

But wondered if it was cll resulted and if others had experience if it happening to them.

Thanks

[ornstin]

Sorry I can't definitely help you on the question whether it is CLL related. I suppose it might be. However, for initial guidance on what to do I suggest you refer to NHS website under "Red Eye". It indicates that if the problem persists you should contact your GP. Regards, Antony

[morepork]

It's called a subconjunctival haemorrhage and can occur in anyone at all.

To quote

"A subconjunctival haemorrhage is bleeding underneath the conjunctiva. It can occur after a sudden or severe sneeze or cough, heavy lifting, straining, vomiting or even rubbing one's eyes too roughly. It can also occur as a side effect of eye surgery or blood thinners."

Doesn't usually need treatment, but reporting it just in case sounds fine.

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to morepork]

I agree with this. I’ve had lots of bloodshot eyes both on and off venetoclax. They look so alarming but are what morepork describes. Always wise to mention it to your medical team aloneifly but they’re more alarming to look at than of clinical concern and your haematologist obviously wasn’t concerned.

It will clear up soon I’m sure but you did the right thing in alerting them especially during the ramp up.

Newdawn

[wmay13241]

The blood shot eyes may be due to low platelets - what is your platelet count?

[aloneifly in reply to wmay13241]

currently 74 but it is looking better today so not so concerned about that issue!

[wmay13241 in reply to aloneifly]

Several weeks ago when my wife had a blood shot eye her platelets were 35. Doctor said do not worry.

[BeckyLUSA]

Five days after my GP informed me of my high white count and referred me to hematologist/oncologist, I woke up with a bloodshot eye ( broken blood vessel). I completely freaked out thinking I was going to start bleeding from everywhere. And I did not even know yet that it was CLL. I immediately called my ophthalmologist who proceeded to calm me down and said there was probably no connection to the white count and and to just wait and see if it got a little better as the day went on, and that it should be better within a day or two, which it was. She said it was probably just a wicked coincidence! Really freaked me out though! With the difficulty of office visits in this environment it might be a day or two before you could see a doctor anyway. You could go to an ER or doc in a box, but I would wait it out for a day or two. But that is me. I am not a doctor! You have to do what you think is best for you.

BeckyL USA

[Smakwater]

aloofly,

The makers of Venetoclax do list hemorrhage as a possible side effect.

Bear in mind that the drug companies are require to list every possibility of occurrence including haemorrhage even if it only occurs in rare instance.

I did not experience subconjunctival haemorrhage, nor in my reading did I find eye haemmhorage to be common among CLL patients due to Ventoclax, however, you may be the rare occurrence.

It is reassuring that your consultant is not concerned. Stay aware of the condition as you are doing, and keep your consultant informed.

All the best.

[aloneifly]

it is looking better today - thanks for the replies

[country76]

I am on Alacabrutinib. My eye was itching so I rubbed it and I think I broke a blood vessel, I had a red eye on the corner half.