Bortezomib (Intravenous)

Bortezomib

Treats multiple myeloma (blood plasma cell cancer).

Brand Name(s):

Velcade
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ask your doctor or other health caregiver if you should drink extra water while you are using this medicine. This could help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the medicine before the expiration date and time.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Follow any special instructions about how to throw away empty medicine bottles, tubes, or bags. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amiodarone (Cordarone®), isoniazid, nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, lisinopril, metoprolol, Accupril®, Accupril®, Toprol®, Zestril®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®), oral medicine for diabetes (such as glyburide, metformin, Avandia®, Glucotrol®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as atorvastatin, Lipitor®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.
• Tell your doctor if you have used any other medicine that might cause nerve problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Do not breast feed while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, a history of fainting or low blood pressure, or have ever had a nerve problem called peripheral neuropathy.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Skin feeling more sensitive or less sensitive than normal
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Double vision or blurred vision
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the IV needle is inserted
• Unusual tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.