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Bortezomib  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Velcade

Category


Description

Bortezomib ( bor-TEZ-oh-mib) belongs to the general group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used to treat multiple myeloma in patients who have received other treatments that have not helped.

Bortezomib interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are then eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by bortezomib, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Bortezomib is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bortezomib, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bortezomib, boron or mannitol. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—There is a chance that this medicine may cause birth defects if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Studies in rats and rabbits have shown that bortezomib causes birth defects in the fetus and other problems including miscarriage. However, this medicine may be needed in serious diseases or other situations that threaten the mothers life.

Be sure that you have discussed these possible effects with your doctor before receiving this medicine. Before receiving bortezomib make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. It is best to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving bortezomib. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while receiving bortezomib.

Breast-feeding—Because bortezomib may cause serious side effects in the breast-fed baby, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are receiving this medicine.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of bortezomib in children with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking bortezomib, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC] medicine).

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of bortezomib. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—

The dose of bortezomib will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of bortezomib. If you have any questions about the proper dose of bortezomib, ask your doctor.

Missed dose—

Discuss with your doctor what to do


Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 12/18/2003
Revised: 08/03/2004

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