Velcade

What is Velcade?

Velcade (bortezomib) is part of a class of drugs known as antineoplastic agents. Bortezomib kills cancer cells.Velcade can be used for treating patients suffering from the condition known as multiple myeloma (a kind of bone marrow).

Velcade can also be used to treat patients with mantle lymphoma (a rapidly growing cancer that originates in the immune system's cells).Velcade can be prescribed when other chemotherapy drugs were tried but failed to provide treatment.

Warnings

Velcade can cause a serious virus infection of the brain, which can result in death or disability. Contact your doctor immediately when you notice any changes in your mental health, such as decreased vision or difficulties with walking or speaking. The symptoms can begin slowly and become more severe.

Velcade may reduce blood cell count, which aids your body in fighting illnesses and helps your blood get clots. You could contract an infection or get bleeding quickly. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising or signs of an infection (fever, chills, fever, or body pains).Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications or have any other medical issues or allergies.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to be treated by Velcade if you're sensitive to bortezomib or have an allergy to mannitol or Boron.

To be sure Velcade is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you previously had:

• Tingling, numbness, and burning or numbness in your feet or hands
• Blood pressure, blood pressure, or lower blood pressure;
• Heart disease, congestive cardiac failure;
• Headache, headache, confusion, thought issues, weakness, loss of vision, seizures;
• A low amount of platelets, or low levels of white and red blood cell count
• Skin eruption and herpes zoster (also known as herpes zoster)
• Respiratory disease or breathing issues;
• Diabetes;
• If you are dehydrated,
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease (or kidney disease if you're taking dialysis).

Bortezomib may harm an unborn child if the father or mother uses this medicine.

• If you're female, you may need an ultrasound test to be sure you're not pregnant. Make sure you use contraceptives during the course of this medication as well, for at least seven months following the last dose.
• If you're male, use birth control in the event that your partner can be pregnant. Use contraceptives for at least 4 months following your last dose.
• Inform your doctor immediately when you notice a pregnancy.

The likelihood of pregnancy is higher when either the father or mother uses this medicine. Women and men alike are advised to use birth control to avoid pregnancies because this medication could affect a newborn baby.Don't breastfeed during the course of this medication and at least 2 months after the last dose.

Similar or related drugs

Darzalex, Blenrep, Tecvayli, Carvykti, prednisone, methotrexate, and dexamethasone

How to take Velcade?

Velcade is administered into a vein or under the skin. A doctor will provide you with the injection.

It is possible to receive medication to help prevent vomiting during the time you are receiving Velcade.There is a possibility that you will require frequent medical examinations, and cancer treatment may be delayed depending on the results.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphoma:

DOSAGE IN PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA:
1.3 mg/m2 for an IV bolus injection once every week, in conjunction with cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin and oral prednisone for a period of two weeks (days 1, 4, 8 and 11), then 10 days of rest (days 12 to 21).
Comments:
The three-week period is classified as an acupuncture cycle.
At least 72 hours must pass between successive doses of Velcade.
For patients who have a response that was first noted in cycle 6, 2 additional cycles (for 8 total cycles) are suggested.
FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF RELAPSED MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA:
Usual dosage: 1.3 mg/m2 in an injection bolus IV or subcutaneously every two weeks for a period of two weeks (days 1, 4, 8 and 11), then a 10-day rest (days 12 to 21). Treatment that lasts longer than 8 cycles is possible according to the standard schedule or administered once every week for four weeks (days 1–8), 15–22, and then a 13-day break (days 23–35).
Applications: in the treatment of mantle lymphoma. Cells

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Myeloma:

FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED MULTIPLE MYELOMA:
The usual dose is 1.3 mg/m2 administered in a 3–5 second subcutaneous injection or as a bolus IV when combined with oral melphalan and prednisone for a total of nine six-week treatment cycles:
In cycles 1 through 4, Velcade will be administered two times a week (days 1–4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29, and 32). In cycles 5 to 9, Velcade is administered weekly (days 1–8, 22, and 29).
Comments:
At least 72 hours must be allowed between doses of Velcade.
FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF RELAPSED MULTIPLE MYELOMA:
Usual dosage: 1.3 mg/m2 in an intravenous bolus injection or subcutaneously once a week for a period of two weeks (days 1, 4, 8 and 11), then 10 days of rest (days 12 to 21). The treatment that goes beyond 8 cycles could be administered using the standard schedule, or it could be administered weekly for four weeks (days 1, 8, 15, and 22) and then a rest of 13 days (days 23–35).
Comments:
The drug can be used by itself or in conjunction with dexamethasone.
Three weeks are thought to be an acupuncture cycle.
A maximum of 72 hours must be allowed between doses of Velcade.
Patients suffering from multiple myeloma who have previously shown improvement with treatment using Velcade (either as a stand-alone treatment or with other drugs) and who had a relapse at least six months following their previous therapy could be initiated at the last dose tolerated.
Use: To treat multiple myeloma patients who have previously shown improvement in treatment using this drug but have not relapsed within 6 months of having completed treatment.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Contact your doctor for advice. If you do not make an appointment to receive the Velcade injection,

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical facility, an overdose could be taken care of quickly.

What should be avoided?

It is possible to become dehydrated in a long-term illness. Contact your physician if you have a stomach ache or diarrhea.Do not be around those who are sick or suffer from infections. Contact your doctor right away in the event that you show symptoms of an infection.

The medicine can cause blurred vision and a decrease in your reaction. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects this medication will have on you.Be careful not to get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. You could be dizzy.

Side effects of Velcade

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction, Velcade: hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Velcade could cause brain inflammation that could lead to the loss of a job or even death. Consult your physician when you are experiencing issues with your speech, thoughts, vision, or muscle movement. These signs can become more severe quickly.

Velcade can cause dangerous blood clots to form in the tiny blood vessels within the organs you have, such as your kidneys or brain. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of this disease, like an increase in fever or fatigue, a decrease in urine output, bleeding, or nosebleeds.

Velcade may cause serious side effects. Should you experience: Consult a medical provider immediately in the event that:

• Migraine, confusion, thought problems in the eyes, seizures, and a lightheaded sensation—it's as if you're going to faint;
• Swelling, bruising, pain, or irritation at the site in the area where the medicine was injected;
• Persistent or severe nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, as well as constipation, nausea, and stomach pain
• Shortness of breath, fever, or difficulty breathing
• Loss of water, confusion, dizziness, and feeling thirsty. Less frequent urination;
• Low blood cells (fever, chills, tiredness) skin sores, mouth sores, easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, pale skin, cold feet, and hands feeling lightheaded and short of breath.
• Liver issues nausea, abdominal discomfort (upper right edge) Itching, fatigue of the skin, dark urine, stools that are clay-coloured, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• Heart issues (swelling or weight gain) and feeling tired or
• Indications of a tumor cell's breakdown fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid and low heart rates, and tingling sensations in your feet, hands, and around the mouth.

Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently in the event of certain negative side effects.

Common side effects of Velcade could include:

• Burning pain or tingling sensation;
• Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting;
• Diarrhea, constipation;
• Chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
• Low blood cell count;
• Itchy skin rash;
• Feeling exhausted.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

There are times when it's not safe to take certain medications in conjunction with other medications. Certain medications can alter your blood levels and the other medications you take, which could cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.

Numerous drugs may interact with Bortezomib. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are not all the interactions mentioned here. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take.