Bortezomib is used to treat people with multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) who have already been treated with at least one other medication. Bortezomib is also used to treat people with mantle cell lymphoma (a fast-growing cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system) who have already been treated with at least one other medication. Bortezomib is in a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
Bortezomib comes as a solution (liquid) to inject into a vein. Bortezomib is given by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic. It is usually given on a rotating schedule that alternates 2 weeks when bortezomib is given twice a week with 10 days when the medication is not given. During the weeks that bortezomib is given, doses will always be at least 72 hours apart. The rotating schedule may be followed for up to eight cycles. After that, your doctor may decide to continue your treatment, but you will receive bortezomib less often.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment. Your doctor may stop your treatment for a while or decrease your dose of bortezomib if you experience side effects of the medication.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Drink plenty of fluids every day during your treatment with bortezomib, especially if you vomit or have diarrhea.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of bortezomib, call your doctor right away.
general weakness
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain
anxiety
back pain
bone, joint, or muscle pain
muscle cramps
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
weakness in the arms or legs
changes in the sense of touch
shortness of breath
cough
swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or hands
hoarseness
fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
unusual bruising or bleeding
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
slurred speech or inability to speak or understand speech
loss of balance or coordination
loss of memory
paralysis (loss of ability to move a part of the body
vision changes or loss of vision
loss of consciousness
excessive tiredness
pale skin
fast heartbeat
fainting
headache
thoughts of harming or killing yourself
difficulty thinking clearly, using good judgment, or understanding reality
hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
confusion
restlessness
thirst
decreased urination
loss of appetite
constipation
seizures
skin blisters that are itchy or painful
Bortezomib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Bortezomib will be stored in the medical office or clinic.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
fainting
dizziness
blurred vision
unusual bruising or bleeding
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to bortezomib.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 05/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.