Velcade (Bortezomib) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Velcade

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Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer. Cancer is a group of many related diseases. Myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. It's the most common type of plasma cell cancer.

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Velcade

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VELCADE®
(bortezomib)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection is an antineoplastic agent available for intravenous injection or subcutaneous use. Each single use vial contains 3.5 mg of bortezomib as a sterile lyophilized powder. Inactive ingredient: 35 mg mannitol, USP.

Bortezomib is a modified dipeptidyl boronic acid. The product is provided as a mannitol boronic ester which, in reconstituted form, consists of the mannitol ester in equilibrium with its hydrolysis product, the monomeric boronic acid. The drug substance exists in its cyclic anhydride form as a trimeric boroxine.

The chemical name for bortezomib, the monomeric boronic acid, is [(1R)-3-methyl-1-[[(2S)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-[(pyrazinylcarbonyl) amino]propyl]amino]butyl] boronic acid.

Bortezomib has the following chemical structure:

VELCADE® (bortezomib) Structural Formula Illustration

The molecular weight is 384.24. The molecular formula is C₁₉H₂₅BN₄O₄. The solubility of bortezomib, as the monomeric boronic acid, in water is 3.3 to 3.8 mg/mL in a pH range of 2 to 6.5.

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Velcade »

What are the precautions when taking bortezomib (Velcade)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as boron, mannitol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: nerve sensation problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), heart disease, low blood pressure, loss of body fluids (dehydration), diabetes, liver disease, severe kidney disease, certain viral infection (herpes, shingles).

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Do not...

Read All Potential Precautions of Velcade »

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/6/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.