Bortezomib

Generic name: Bortezomib
Brand names: Velcade
Drug class: Proteasome inhibitors

Usage of Bortezomib

Bortezomib is used in adults to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Bortezomib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bortezomib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bortezomib may cause a brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Tell your doctor if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms can get worse quickly.

Bortezomib can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Bortezomib may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

headache, confusion, thinking problems, weakness, vision loss, seizure, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, stomach pain;

fever with shortness of breath or trouble breathing;

dehydration--dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination;

low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of bortezomib may include:

numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling;

loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea, constipation;

fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms;

low blood cell counts;

skin rash; or

feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bortezomib

You should not be treated with bortezomib if you are allergic to it, or to mannitol, or boron.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

high or low blood pressure;

heart disease, congestive heart failure;

headache, confusion, thinking problems, weakness, vision loss, seizure;

a low level of platelets or low white or red blood cell counts;

skin rash or herpes zoster (also called shingles);

lung disease, or breathing problems;

diabetes;

if you are dehydrated;

liver disease; or

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Bortezomib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using bortezomib.

If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.

If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 months after your last dose.

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How to use Bortezomib

Bortezomib is injected into a vein or under your skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving bortezomib.

You may need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Bortezomib

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Many drugs can affect bortezomib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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