A COLD AND VENETOCLAX

[difor29]

Hi all….has anyone had a cold and paused Venetoclax? Still waiting to hear back from my Oncologist. Thanks…Diana

[Snakejaw]

Well I can say I had a fever the first day I was supposed to start Venetoclax, so I cancelled my appointment. When I spoke to my Dr about it he said it wouldn’t have made a difference. I started the next week.

[Newdawn Administrator]

I didn’t even pause Venetoclax when I had Covid and it wasn’t suggested. Is there a reason for pausing? Is the cold very severe and causing issues? I see however that you have Stage IV Extra Nodal Marginal Zone Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which may pose different challenges. Be guided by your specialist because I see you attend Sloan Kettering. Hope you feel better soon,

Newdawn

[farber in reply to Newdawn]

On just started Venetoclax for a few weeks and got right away flue. But still taking medicine

[Alex830]

I am on week 3 of a pretty relentless cold, you are definitely not alone, see my post a couple of days ago. My oncologist made me stop Venetoclax but only because my hemoglobin dropped to 8.5. If you have any concerns you could always ask for a cbc but otherwise I don’t think you would have to stop taking Venetoclax.

[Poodle2]

I had a cold a month when I was on Venetoclax (from September to April) and never had to stop. Had the flu as well, chest infection, gastroenteritis twice and weird mouth infections...I always continued taking the drugs. Sometimes I had more frequent blood tests and usually they put me on antibiotics if there was no improvement after a week (I was severely neutropenic as well).

[onu1tadi2]

I am on Venetoclax, just getting over a cold. I kept taking the drug. But I rested a lot, ate lightly (avoiding sweets and salt). I took some walks, and after about 20 days i beat it -- it did not turn into bronchitis or heavier cold. It affected my voice and increased my occasional cough. Not sure how bad your cold is. But rest and liquids (and soup) are good. Good luck.

[Pokerguy]

Same as NewDawn spoke of, caught Covid continued 400mg per day with zero issues.

[thb4747]

I’ve been taking Venetoclax for 6 years. The only times I’ve had to pause were when my neutrophils tanked and when I’ve been having radiation for skin cancers. I had pneumonia twice and never had to pause. No reason to for a clod but keep,an eye on those neutrophils!

[MovingForward4423]

I was only asked to pause Ibrutinib during covid. Colds, flu and bacterial I was told not to stop. You will need to ask your consultant on Ventoclax. I would say it’s going to be a no.

[Livingwith67]

I had to stop my venetoclax for 4 weeks as I just couldn’t shift the ‘cold’ virus turned bacterial in the end and needed antibiotics. I was really quite rough on what didn’t appear to be diagnosed as anything more than a cold.