What is this medication for?
Bortezomib belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It works by killing cancer cells. Bortezomib is used to treat multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow) or mantle cell lymphoma for people who have not responded to other medications. Treatment with bortezomib must be started and given under the supervision of a health care professional qualified and experienced in the use of antineoplastic medications.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Velcade® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of bortezomib varies according to body size. It is usually injected into a vein twice weekly for 2 weeks followed by a 10-day rest period. Bortezomib will be injected by a doctor or by a health care professional under direct supervision of the doctor in a hospital or similar setting.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive bortezomib, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
As well as attacking cancer cells, bortezomib can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
Store this medication at room temperature, protect from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use bortezomib if you:
- are allergic to bortezomib or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- are allergic to boron or mannitol
