Uses
This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin by a health care professional. If you are receiving this medication under the skin, make sure that the injection site is changed each time to lessen injury under the skin. Your doctor may direct you to receive this medication in a treatment cycle (for example, only on certain days each month). Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. The dosage is based on your body size, medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.
To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Side Effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Bortezomib sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- tingling/numbness/pain/burning feeling of arms/legs
- severe headache
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- chest pain
- vision changes
- seizures
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- fainting
- small red/purple/brown spots on your skin
This medication can decrease blood cells, which can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: easy bleeding/bruising, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of an infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), unusual tiredness, pale skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
Bortezomib can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as boron, mannitol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- dehydration
- heart disease (such as heart failure)
- bleeding/blood disorders
- current/recent infections
- diabetes
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Bortezomib can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using bortezomib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using bortezomib. Bortezomib may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 2 months after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of bortezomib from your body, which may affect how bortezomib works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, or easy bleeding/bruising.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
