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Bortezomib

Generic name: bortezomib [ bor-TEZ-oh-mib ]
Brand name: Velcade
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (1 mg; 2.5 mg; 3.5 mg), intravenous powder for injection (3.5 mg), ... show all 3 dosage forms
Drug class: Proteasome inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 17, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bortezomib?

Bortezomib is used in adults to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Bortezomib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bortezomib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bortezomib may cause a brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Tell your doctor if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms can get worse quickly.

Bortezomib can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Bortezomib may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of bortezomib may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with bortezomib if you are allergic to it, or to mannitol, or boron.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Bortezomib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using bortezomib.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 months after your last dose.

How is bortezomib given?

Bortezomib is injected into a vein or under your skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving bortezomib.

You may need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your bortezomib injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving bortezomib?

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

bortezomib may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect bortezomib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Many drugs can affect bortezomib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.