Velcade (Bortezomib) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Velcade Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving bortezomib (Velcade)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bortezomib, mannitol, or boron.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive bortezomib, tell your doctor if you have:

diabetes;
liver disease;
if you are on dialysis;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
a low level of platelets or white or red blood cells;
heart disease, congestive heart failure;
herpes or a history of shingles;
high or low blood pressure; or
nerve problems such as burning, numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive bortezomib without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bortezomib passes into breast milk. Do not receive bortezomib without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is bortezomib given (Velcade)?

Bortezomib is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein.

You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Bortezomib is usually injected 2 times a week for 2 weeks, followed by 10 days without an injection. Bortezomib may also be given once a week for 4 weeks followed by 13 days without an injection. Follow your doctor's instructions about your individual dosing schedule.

Bortezomib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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