home > drugs a-z list > velcade (bortezomib) drug center > velcade (bortezomib) drug - overdosage and contraindications

There is no known specific antidote for VELCADE overdosage [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. In humans, fatal outcomes following the administration of more than twice the recommended therapeutic dose have been reported, which were associated with the acute onset of symptomatic hypotension (5.2) and thrombocytopenia (5.7). In the event of an overdosage, the patient's vital signs should be monitored and appropriate supportive care given.

Studies in monkeys and dogs showed that intravenous bortezomib doses as low as 2 times the recommended clinical dose on a mg/m² basis were associated with increases in heart rate, decreases in contractility, hypotension, and death. In dog studies, a slight increase in the corrected QT interval was observed at doses resulting in death. In monkeys, doses of 3.0 mg/m² and greater (approximately twice the recommended clinical dose) resulted in hypotension starting at 1 hour post-administration, with progression to death in 12 to 14 hours following drug administration.

VELCADE is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol.

VELCADE is contraindicated for intrathecal administration. Fatal events have occurred with intrathecal administration of VELCADE.

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