Vaccine with Venclexta

[Survivor1951]

I may have missed previous posts on the subject, but wondering what the consensus is on taking the Covid vaccine while on Venclexta. I’ll consult with my oncologist next week, but wondering if anyone out there has been advised yet. Thanks in advance!

[LovelyLilyGirl]

I am on 400 mg of Venetroclax since April. My CLL specialist at Ucsd wants me to get the vaccine as soon as I can possibly get it. He has advised me that there’s not an issue. So I will be getting the vaccine as soon as I can.

[Survivor1951 in reply to LovelyLilyGirl]

Great to hear! Thanks! I look forward to some degree of normalcy in 2021.

[Hidden]

I am currently on Venetoclax and obinutuzumab and oncologist has advised against the vaccine due to the obinutuzumab. Are you on Venetoclax mono therapy?

[Survivor1951 in reply to Hidden]

I began in August 2019 with Venclexta paired with Rituxan infusions...six infusions, then continuing on just the Venclexta until August 2021.

[Hidden in reply to Survivor1951]

I’m not sure how similar rituximab and obinutuzumab are in terms of the way they act (I know only that they are both monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20). My specialist advised that obinutuzumab wipes out B cells which are needed to get a response to vaccines. My last infusion will be in March 2020 and then I’ll need to wait a further 6 months for my B cells to return enough that a vaccine would have some effect. He said it’s not just about the covid vaccine but rather any vaccine (e.g. shingles) that would be affected in the same way. So if rituximab and obinutuzumab are similar then it may depend on when you finished the infusions and how long it has been since your last infusion-questions for your oncologist if you want, as I’m just postulating. He didn’t seem to mention any issue specifically with Venetoclax and the covid vaccine-so think you may be okay on that front.

[Survivor1951 in reply to Hidden]

Interesting. My oncologist actually recommended that I not take the shingles vaccine, so Monday’s visit will be telling. Thanks!

[Hidden in reply to Survivor1951]

I’m always interested to hear the advice from other doctors, especially if it differs to my own. Particularly if he says no to shingles and yes to Covid. Keep us updated!

[81ue in reply to Survivor1951]

I had shingrix (not live shingles vaccine) while on V and Rituximab with ok from oncologist. Maybe the issue is live vs. non-live vaccines. Are covid-19 vaccines "live"? Your post got me internet searching and when on Rituximab drugs.com/rituxan.html says "Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Rituxan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine."

[Hidden in reply to 81ue]

I think the issue was one of effectiveness of the vaccine while on mAbs, as none of the vaccines mentioned are live (shingrix and covid vaccines).

[Survivor1951 in reply to 81ue]

I know that the Covid vaccine is not a “live” vaccine, while the early shingles vaccine was. I believe you’re right. That’s probably the deciding factor.

[81ue in reply to Survivor1951]

Thank you to all that share info. I have to wait for February at my next appointment to find out what they recommend re vaccine for covid-19

[Annie1920 in reply to 81ue]

Can't you give them a call before then??

[Annie1920 in reply to 81ue]

Covid vaccines are NOT live

[Annie1920 in reply to Hidden]

I'm on Venetoclax after obinutumazab and hematologist recommended both Shingrix and Covid jabs.. But.. I wasn't expecting a good result.. And in fact spike and neucleocapsid test showed zero antibodies after 3x jabs