Trade name

Velcade^®

What Bortezomib is and what it is used for?

• Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor. A proteasome is an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down proteins in cells. By blocking the action of proteasome, waste proteins build up in myeloma cells, and cause them to die.
• Bortezomib is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. This drug may also be used in other ways, as determined by your doctor.

How bortezomib is given?

• Bortezomib is given as an injection into your vein or under your skin in the abdomen or thighs.

What should I need to know while receiving Bortezomib?

• Do not use this drug when you are pregnant. Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 and 7 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 2 months after treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests during treatment. Blood tests help your doctor understand how well bortezomib is working and monitor any side effect you might get. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• Bortezomib may affect your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have problems with blood pressure before starting treatment. You should check your blood pressure regularly during treatment, and let your doctor know if you feel dizzy, light-headed or notice any significant changes in blood pressure.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of bortezomib. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially heart diseases, liver or kidney problems.
• There are many drugs may affect how bortezomib works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Diarrhea or constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve the symptoms.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as you need to. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

In some people, the symptoms get better slowly once the treatment is over, but for some it never goes away completely. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

Less common side effects

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Muscle or joint pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicines to relieve pain.

• Cough or trouble breathing

Bortezomib can affect your lung. Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

Rare but serious side effects

• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

TLS is a life-threatening condition that happens when the large amount of cancer cells die too quickly and their wastes release into the blood stream. Symptoms of TLS include general fatigue, muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat, decreased urination, throwing up, or confusion. Your doctor will monitor you closely and prescribe medicines to prevent its development.

• Change in blood sugar level

If you have diabetes, this drug may worse your condition. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar and may prescribe medications if necessary.

• Heart problems

This drug may affect heart function, including without symptoms, such as reduced heart function, and with symptoms, such as heart failure. Contact a doctor right away if you notice that you have swelling in the legs, an abnormal heartbeat or pain or tightness in your chest.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day during treatment can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking beverages containing grapefruit. This is because grapefruits can affect how bortezomib works and can worsen the side effects.
• Avoid taking St. John's wort as it may make bortezomib less effective.