Velcade Injection

Listing ID #3084099

This medication is a cancer chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of tumors (e.G., multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma). It blocks certain proteins which helps to slow the growth and spread of the cancer.

How to use velcade injection: This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin by a healthcare 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. The dosage is based on your body size, medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this drug to prevent becoming dehydrated. 

Side effects:

• Dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• loss of appetite,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• tiredness,
• weakness,
• blurred vision,
• pain/redness at injection site may occur.

If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.
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:

• easy bruising or bleeding,
• tingling/numbness/pain/burning feeling of the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy),
• fainting,
• stomach pain,
• black stools,
• coffee-ground vomit,
• trouble breathing,
• swelling or pain in the lower legs,
• fast/irregular heartbeat,
• severe headache,
• vision problems,
• mental/mood changes (e.G., rarely, thoughts of suicide),
• swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine.

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 sensation problems (e.G., peripheral neuropathy),
• heart disease,
• low blood pressure,
• loss of body fluids (dehydration),
• diabetes,
• liver disease,
• severe kidney disease,
• certain viral infection (herpes, shingles).

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.