BORTEZOMIB

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Velcade

GENERIC NAME(S): BORTEZOMIB

 

Description: Bortezomib is an antineoplastic that prevents targeted proteolysis that affects the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Indications

This medication is a cancer chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of tumors (e.g., multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma).

Contraindications

Should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity reactions against bortezomib, boron, or mannitol.

How to use bortezomib injection

  • This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin by a healthcare professional.
  • If you are receiving this medication under the skin, make sure that the injection site is changed each time to lessen injury under the skin.
  • It is important to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this drug to prevent becoming dehydrated.

Common side effects:

  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea
  • constipation,
  • tiredness
  • weakness
  • blurred vision
  • pain/redness at injection site

This medication can lower your body’s ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising or bleeding, tingling/numbness/pain/burning feeling of the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy), fainting, stomach pain, black stools, coffee-ground vomit, trouble breathing, swelling or pain in the lower legs, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe headache, vision problems, mental/mood changes (e.g., rarely, thoughts of suicide), swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, change in the amount of urine, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

  • Allergy: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
  • Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: nerve sensation problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), heart disease, low blood pressure, loss of body fluids (dehydration), diabetes, liver disease, severe kidney disease, certain viral infection (herpes, shingles).
  • Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
  • Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured.
  • Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

Pregnancy Risk:  Category D. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby.

Breastfeeding:  It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug due to the potential risk to the nursing infant.

 

Interactions

  • Some products that may interact with this drug include: medications to treat high blood pressure, oral anti-diabetic drugs, other drugs that may cause peripheral neuropathy (e.g., amiodarone, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, certain anti-virals such as acyclovir, ritonavir, zidovudine).
  • Other medications can affect the removal of bortezomib from your body, which may affect how bortezomib works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John’s wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting or persistent fever.

Notes: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, platelets) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage: Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Velcade [ Johnson & Johnson ]

Also marketed as

  • Neomib [ Getwell Pharma ]

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