Bortezomib Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Bortezomib

Generic name: bortezomib [ bor-TEZ-oh-mib ]
Brand name: Velcade
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (3.5 mg); intravenous powder for injection (3.5 mg)
Drug class: Proteasome inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is bortezomib?

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

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

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, or burning pain;

- diabetes;

- liver disease;

- kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis;

- a low level of platelets or white or red blood cells;

- heart disease, congestive heart failure;

- lung disease or breathing problems;

- herpes or shingles (herpes zoster);

- high or low blood pressure; or

- if you are dehydrated.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Bortezomib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

- If you are a woman, do not use bortezomib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.

- If you are a man, use effective 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 while either the mother or the father is using bortezomib.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because bortezomib may harm the baby if a pregnancy does occur.

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

## How is bortezomib given?

Bortezomib is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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

Bortezomib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Your liver function and nerve function may also need to be checked.

Detailed Bortezomib dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you will miss an appointment for your bortezomib injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while receiving bortezomib?

Avoid becoming dehydrated if you have any vomiting or diarrhea. Talk with your doctor about how best to keep yourself hydrated.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

bortezomib may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

## 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 serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe headache, buzzing in your ears, vision problems, weakness, confusion, thinking problems, or a seizure (convulsions).

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

- new or worsening nerve problems such as numbness, burning, pain, weakness, or tingly feeling;

- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

- severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

- fever with shortness of breath or trouble breathing;

- dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

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

- liver problems--right-sided stomach pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

- signs of congestive heart failure--shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, cough with mucus, fast heartbeats, sleep problems; or

- signs of tumor cell breakdown--muscle cramps, tiredness, fast or slow heart rate, fluttering in your chest, decreased urination, tingling 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 or tingly feeling;

- loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;

- diarrhea, constipation;

- fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms;

- 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.

Bortezomib side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect bortezomib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications 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 in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Bortezomib drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Frequently asked questions

- Ninlaro vs Velcade, which is better?

## More about bortezomib

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (5)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: proteasome inhibitors
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Velcade

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Multiple Myeloma
- Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 11.03.