bortezomib Information - Drugs and Treatments

What is bortezomib?

Bortezomib interferes with the growth of some cancer cells and keeps them from spreading in your body.

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

Bortezomib is sometimes given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

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

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bortezomib, mannitol, or boron.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive bortezomib, tell your doctor if you have:

diabetes;
liver disease;
if you are on dialysis;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
a low level of platelets or white or red blood cells;
heart disease, congestive heart failure;
herpes or a history of shingles;
high or low blood pressure; or
nerve problems such as burning, numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.

Do not receive bortezomib

without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bortezomib passes into breast milk. Do not receive bortezomib without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bortezomib?

Bortezomib is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein.

You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Bortezomib is usually injected 2 times a week for 2 weeks, followed by 10 days without an injection. Bortezomib may also be given once a week for 4 weeks followed by 13 days without an injection. Follow your doctor's instructions about your individual dosing schedule.

Bortezomib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose of bortezomib?

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

Where can I get more information about bortezomib?

Your pharmacist has information about bortezomib written for health professionals that you may read.

What should I avoid while taking bortezomib?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid becoming dehydrated if you have any vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, or hot and dry skin. Talk with your doctor about how best to keep yourself hydrated.

Bortezomib can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly to keep from falling.

What other drugs will affect bortezomib?

Many drugs can interact with bortezomib. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol);
rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin);
St. John's wort;
an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek);
an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton);
diabetes medications you take by mouth (your dose may need to be adjusted when your bortezomib treatment starts);
HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir);
medicines to treat narcolepsy, such as armodafanil (Nuvigil) or modafanil (Progivil); or
seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), or phenytoin (Dilantin), or primidone (Mysoline).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with bortezomib. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



	Leave a Note for Just a note Hugs Thinking of you Thank You Welcome Prayer Feel better Congrats! Happy Birthday Just a quick note to say hi! Add as friend Post It Never Mind 800 character limit exceeded Just a quick note to say hi! You deserve a big bear hug! You're in my thoughts all the time, but especially today. Thank you for everything! Welcome to our community! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you feel better soon! Congratulations! Time for a celebration... Happy Birthday!

bortezomib

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

What is bortezomib?