Velcade (bortezomib)

How does it work?

Velcade injection contains the active ingredient bortezomib, which is a type of medicine called a proteasome inhibitor. It is used to treat multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, white blood cells called plasma cells multiply in an uncontrolled way.

Proteasomes are enzymes that are involved in the normal function and growth of cells. Bortezomib inhibits the function of the proteasomes in the cancerous plasma cells. This affects the normal functioning and growth of these cells and results in the death of the cancer cells.

Cancer cells seem to be more sensitive to the effects of bortezomib than normal healthy cells.

Bortezomib is given by injection into a vein twice a week for two weeks, followed by a ten day rest period. This three week period is one treatment cycle. You may be given up to eight cycles of treatment.

What is it used for?

Cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow (multiple myeloma).

This medicine is licensed to treat people who have had at least one prior therapy for their multiple myeloma and who have already had, or are unsuitable for a bone marrow transplant.

Warning!

Chemotherapy medicines, as well as the multiple myeloma disease itself, can decrease the number of blood cells in your blood. A low white blood cell count can increase your susceptibility to infections; a low red blood cell count causes anaemia and a low platelet count can cause problems with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. For this reason, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment, as they may indicate problems with your blood cells: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection, or suddenly feeling tired, breathless, or generally unwell.

This medicine can occasionally cause your blood pressure to drop when you move from a lying down or sitting position to sitting or standing. This may make you feel dizzy or unsteady and could make some people faint. To avoid this try getting up slowly. If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass and seek medical advice.

Let your doctor know if you experience any abnormal sensations in your feet and/or hands during treatment with this medicine, for example, numbness, tingling or burning sensations or pain, as this could be indicative of a nerve problem called peripheral neuropathy.

Tell your doctor if you get a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or wheeziness after having treatment with this medicine.

This medicine could be harmful to an unborn baby. Men should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child and women should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant, both during treatment with this medicine and for three months after the treatment is finished.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Decreased numbers of blood cells called platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Any disease of the nerves (neuropathy)

People with a history or increased risk of seizures or fits, eg epilepsy

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

People with a history of fainting

Dehydration, eg due to repeated episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting

Heart disease, eg heart failure

Disorders associated with a build up of protein in the body tissues, such as amyloidosis.

Not to be used in

Severely decreased liver function

Allergy to boron.

This medicine has not been studied in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It is not recommended for these age groups.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine has not been studied in pregnant women, however it could potentially be harmful to an unborn baby. Men should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child and women should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant, both during treatment with this medicine and for three months after the treatment is finished. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you could be pregnant while you are having treatment with this medicine.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. However, the medicine could potentially have serious side effects on a nursing baby if it did pass into the breast milk. For this reason, mothers who need treatment with this medicine should not breastfeed their babies during treatment. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Disturbances of the gut, such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting

Decreased appetite

Fatigue

Headache

Fever

Rash

Shortness of breath

Decrease in the normal numbers of blood cells in the blood

Effects on the nerves (peripheral neuropathy) that may cause pins and needles, burning or numb sensations

Pain in the muscles, limbs, joints or bones

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when moving from a lying down or sitting position to sitting or standing, which causes dizziness, lightheadedness and occasionally fainting (postural hypotension)

Infections

Dehydration

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

Confusion

Anxiety

Blurred vision

Fluid retention causing swelling (oedema)

Heart problems

Liver or kidney problems

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved