Velcade

 
Generic Name: bortezomib

Brands: Velcade

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What is the most important information I should know about Velcade?

· Velcade should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Because Velcade is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby, women of childbearing age should not become pregnant during treatment.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Velcade may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, or blurred or double vision. If you experience any of these side effects, avoid hazardous activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and prevent a possible fall.

· Treatment with Velcade may cause dehydration due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for maintaining adequate fluid intake to reduce the chance of dehydration. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, light headedness, or fainting, as these may be signs of dehydration.

· Peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems) is one of the potential side effects of treatment with Velcade. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience new or worsening symptoms of peripheral neuropathy such as burning sensation, numbness, increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort.

· Velcade can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Velcade. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful or difficult urination.

 

What is Velcade?

· Velcade interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.

· Velcade is used in the treatment of the blood cancer multiple myeloma.

· Velcade may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Velcade?

· Do not take Velcade without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·an allergy or sensitivity to Velcade, boron, or mannitol;     ·liver disease;     ·kidney disease;      ·a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;     ·a low level of platelets or white or red blood cells;     ·a history of low blood pressure or if you are taking medicine to lower blood pressure; or     ·peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems such as burning sensation, numbness, increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort).

· You may not be able to take Velcade, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Velcade is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby.Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment with Velcade.

· It is not known whether Velcade passes into breast milk. Do not take Velcade without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Velcade?

· Velcade should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Velcade is administered by intravenous injection (into a vein). It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a healthcare professional.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Velcade depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Velcade to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Velcade as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Velcade at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· It is important not to miss a dose of Velcade. Contact your doctor if you are unable to keep an appointment.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of Velcade is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Velcade overdose are not known.

 

What should I avoid while taking Velcade?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Velcade may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, or blurred or double vision. If you experience any of these side effects, avoid hazardous activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and prevent a possible fall.

· Treatment with Velcade may cause dehydration due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for maintaining adequate fluid intake to reduce the chance of dehydration. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, light headedness, or fainting, as these may be signs of dehydration.

· Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking Velcade before having surgery or dental work. You may bleed more easily or be more likely to get an infection while taking Velcade.

· Velcade can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Velcade. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful or difficult urination.

 

What are the possible side effects of Velcade?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor as soon as possible:     ·an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);     ·unusual bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, pinpoint red spots on the skin, or black, bloody or tarry stools (may be signs of low platelets in the blood);     ·new or worsening nerve problems such as a burning sensation, numbness, increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort (may indicate peripheral neuropathy);     ·fever, chills, sore throat, other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful or difficult urination (may indicate an infection);     ·fainting;     ·diarrhea or vomiting; or     ·a skin rash.

· Other less serious side effects may occur more frequently. Continue to take Velcade and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·nausea or decreased appetite;     ·anxiety;     ·headache;     ·blurred or double vision;     ·dizziness or light headedness;     ·tiredness or weakness; or     ·muscle or bone pain.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Velcade?

· Many medications may interact with Velcade. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements, without first talking to your healthcare provider.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Velcade written for health professionals that you may read.

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