Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Velcade

Generic Name: bortezomib (Pronunciation: bor TEZ oh mib)

• What is bortezomib (Velcade)?
• What are the possible side effects of bortezomib (Velcade)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bortezomib (Velcade)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving bortezomib (Velcade)?
• How is bortezomib given (Velcade)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Velcade)?
• What happens if I overdose (Velcade)?
• What should I avoid while receiving bortezomib (Velcade)?
• What other drugs will affect bortezomib (Velcade)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is bortezomib (Velcade)?

Bortezomib interferes with the growth of some cancer cells and keeps them from spreading in your body.

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

Bortezomib is sometimes given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

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

What are the possible side effects of bortezomib (Velcade)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• new or worsening nerve problems such as numbness, burning, pain, weakness, or tingly feeling;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• dry cough and trouble breathing;
• severe headache, vision problems, confusion, and/or seizure (convulsions);
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
• severe constipation;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, lower back pain, blood in your urine;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• headache, blurred vision, dizziness;
• muscle pain, bone or joint pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• mild rash or itching; or
• skin irritation where the medicine was injected.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about bortezomib (Velcade)?

This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive bortezomib without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Bortezomib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid becoming dehydrated if you have any vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, or hot and dry skin. Talk with your doctor about how best to keep yourself hydrated.

Bortezomib can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.