Precautions
-The three week period is considered a treatment cycle. -A minimum of 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Velcade. -For patients with a response first documented at cycle 6, two additional cycles (for a total of 8 cycles) are recommended.
What is the treatment cycle for Velcade (Velcade)?
You could expect Velcade to stay in your system ranging from 9 days (220 hours) to 44 days (1061 hours) depending on which dose you receive. The elimination half life is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels of the drug by one-half (50%).
How long does Velcade stay in your system?
-At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Velcade. -Usual dose: 1.3 mg/m2 as a bolus intravenous injection or subcutaneously twice weekly for two weeks (days 1, 4, 8, and 11) followed by a ten day rest period (days 12 through 21).
How long should you rest between doses of Velcade?
As a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the thigh or abdomen. The amount of Velcade that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.
How much Velcade will I receive?
How long do you take Velcade?
VELCADE is given intravenously twice a week for 2 weeks followed by a 10-day rest period. This can be repeated for up to 6 cycles.
How long is chemo treatment for multiple myeloma?
You usually have treatment for four to six months. Then if you are fit enough, your specialist might suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant.
Is Velcade considered chemotherapy?
VELCADE (bortezomib) is a type of chemotherapy called a targeted therapy. VELCADE belongs to a class of medicines called proteasome inhibitors. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. VELCADE has been studied in many important clinical trials.
How effective is Velcade for multiple myeloma?
Overall, 69% of patients responded to Velcade treatment, with 30% achieving a complete response compared to 4% who achieved a complete response in the MP group. A complete response means all signs of cancer are gone (complete remission) but does not mean the cancer is cured.
What is considered remission for multiple myeloma?
Remission after transplantation — The strict definition of remission requires that there are no signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma and that highly sensitive tests cannot detect any abnormal plasma cells. This type of remission occurs in about 50 to 60 percent of people after autologous transplantation.
What is the newest treatment for multiple myeloma?
The latest approval is for the combination of daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fijh (Darzalex Faspro) plus carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior treatments.
How many cycles of VELCADE are there?
Velcade is typically given in nine treatment cycles, with each cycle being 6 weeks long. There must be at least 3 days between your Velcade injections. During the first 4 days of every cycle, you'll most likely take two other drugs: Alkeran (melphalan) and Rayos (prednisone).
Do you lose your hair with VELCADE?
Hair loss isn't a direct side effect of Velcade, but it may be a side effect of other drugs used with Velcade. For example, hair loss may occur in people using Velcade with cyclophosphamide, which is a cytotoxic drug. (Cytotoxic drugs work by killing cells.)
Is VELCADE well tolerated?
According to an analysis of 23 studies that included a total of 1,051 patients, retreatment with Velcade-based therapy was effective and well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. The overall response rate to Velcade retreatment across all studies was 39%.
Can Stage 3 multiple myeloma go into remission?
There's no cure for multiple myeloma, but treatment can bring it into remission, meaning you don't have any sign of the disease. The same tests your doctor uses to know if you have multiple myeloma will also help them tell what stage it's in. They include: Blood tests.
Can you live 20 years with multiple myeloma?
While multiple myeloma doesn't yet have a cure and can be fatal, patients' life expectancies vary widely, according to Jens Hillengass, MD, Chief of Myeloma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I have seen patients live from several weeks to more than 20 years after being diagnosed,” Dr. Hillengass says.
How does VELCADE make you feel?
Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is Velcade a type of chemotherapy?
Velcade is not a traditional form of chemotherapy (chemo). Velcade is a targeted drug therapy in the class of drugs known as proteasome inhibitors.
How long does Velcade stay in your body?
You could expect Velcade to stay in your system ranging from 9 days (220 hours) to 44 days (1061 hours) depending on which dose you receive.
How effective is Velcade for multiple myeloma?
Velcade has been shown in clinical studies to help people with multiple myeloma live longer. In one study of 682 patients who had never received tr...
How long does Velcade last?
In cycles 5 through 9, Velcade is administered once weekly (days 1, 8, 22, and 29).#N#Comments:#N#-At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Velcade.#N#FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF RELAPSED MULTIPLE MYELOMA:#N#-Usual dose: 1.3 mg/m2 as a bolus intravenous injection or subcutaneously twice weekly for two weeks (days 1, 4, 8, and 11) followed by a ten day rest period (days 12 through 21). Therapy extending beyond 8 cycles may be administered by the standard schedule or may be given once weekly for 4 weeks (days 1, 8, 15, and 22), followed by a 13-day rest (days 23 through 35).#N#Comments:#N#-Velcade may be administered alone or in combination with dexamethasone.#N#-The three week period is considered a treatment cycle.#N#-A minimum of 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Velcade.#N#-Patients with multiple myeloma who have previously responded to treatment with Velcade (either alone or in combination) and who have relapsed at least 6 months after their prior therapy may be started on the last tolerated dose.#N#Use: For the treatment of multiple myeloma (who had previously responded to treatment with this drug and who have relapsed at least 6 months after completing treatment)
How often can you take Velcade?
Therapy extending beyond 8 cycles may be administered by the standard schedule or may be given once weekly for 4 weeks (days 1, 8, 15, and 22), followed by a 13-day rest (days 23 through 35). Comments: -Velcade may be administered alone or in combination with dexamethasone.
What is Velcade used for?
Velcade is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Velcade is sometimes given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.
How is Velcade given?
Velcade is given as an infusion into a vein through an IV. You will receive this infusion in a clinic or hospital setting. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this infusion. You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving Velcade.
What are the risks of Velcade?
To make sure Velcade is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: 1 nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, or burning pain; 2 diabetes; 3 liver disease; 4 kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis; 5 a low level of platelets or white or red blood cells; 6 heart disease, congestive heart failure; 7 lung disease or breathing problems; 8 herpes or shingles ( herpes zoster ); 9 high or low blood pressure; or 10 if you are dehydrated.
Does Velcade cause a slow heart rate?
signs of tumor cell breakdown - muscle cramps, tiredness, fast or slow heart rate, fluttering in your chest, decreased urination, tingling around your mouth. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects. Common Velcade side effects may include: feeling tired.
Can Velcade cause vision problems?
Velcade may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have any change in your mental state, decreased vision, or problems with speech or walking. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.
How long should I use Velcade?
Males should use effective contraception during treatment with VELCADE and for four months following treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you are pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment with VELCADE and for two months after your final dose of VELCADE. Have kidney disease.
How long after velcade can you use birth control?
Females should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least seven months after the final dose of VELCADE. If using hormonal contraceptives (for example, the pill), an additional barrier method of contraception (for example, diaphragm or condom) must be used.
What is velcade hematocrit?
Hematologic disease (Thrombotic Microangiopathy, TMA). VELCADE can lead to the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels. These clots can result in low platelets, kidney damage, confusion, and an increased risk of bleeding.
What happens if you take velcade with low TLS?
If the number of these cells is very low, your doctor may change the dose and/or schedule of VELCADE. Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). TLS is a syndrome that causes a chemical imbalance in the blood that could lead to heart and/or kidney problems.
What is Velcae used for?
What is VELCADE used for? VELCADE (bortezomib) is approved for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells). VELCADE is also approved for the treatment of adults with mantle cell lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes).
Can Velcade be stopped?
Treatment with VELCADE should be stopped in cases of PRES. It is not known whether restarting VELCADE therapy in patients previously experiencing this complication is safe. Stomach and Intestinal problems (gastrointestinal toxicity). VELCADE treatment can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Can Velcade cause heart problems?
If you are not drinking enough liquids, your doctor may need to administer IV fluids. Heart problems (cardiac toxicity). Treatment with VELCADE can cause or worsen heart rhythm problems and heart failure. Your doctor may closely monitor you if you have, or are at risk for, heart disease.
How is Velcade given?
Velcade is given by either intravenous (IV) injection (an injection into your vein) or subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). You’ll receive doses of Velcade from a healthcare provider at a medical facility.
How long should I use birth control after taking Velcade?
And you should continue to use birth control for at least 7 months after your last dose of the drug.
How much Velcade should I take for multiple myeloma?
The recommended starting dose of Velcade is 1.3 mg of drug per meters squared (m 2) of BSA. So your doses will be given in units of mg/m 2.
What is Velcade a class of drugs?
Velcade contains the active drug bortezomib. It belongs to a class of drugs called proteasome inhibitors. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in the same way.) Velcade works by inhibiting (blocking) the action of certain proteins called proteasomes.
How much Velcade should I take for MCL?
The recommended starting dose of Velcade is 1.3 mg of drug per meters squared (m 2) of BSA. So your doses will be given in units of mg/m 2.
Can Velcade cause swelling?
It’s possible to have an injection site reaction in the area where you receive Velcade injections. With these reactions, you have inflammation in the tissue where the drug was injected. This can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the area.
Does Velcade go away?
If you have side effects from Velcade, talk with your doctor about how long you can expect them to last. Your doctor may be able to advise whether certain side effects will go away over time. If you have side effects from Velcade that are bothersome or severe, your doctor may adjust your dosage of the drug.
What is Velcade used for?
Velcade is commonly used as part of combination therapy for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. Recent clinical trials have shown that treatment with some of these Velcade combinations have resulted in high response rates and improved disease-free survival. Examples include:
Who makes Velcade?
Velcade is manufactured by Takeda Oncology.
What is the drug used for relapsed myeloma?
Velcade and Doxil: Doxil (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection, Janssen) is approved for use in combination with Velcade to treat relapsed and refractory myeloma patients who have not previously received Velcade and who have received at least one prior therapy.
Does Velcade affect blood glucose?
Tumor lysis syndrome. Note that if you are taking Velcade in combination with other anti-myeloma agents you may experience different side effects. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking medication for diabetes, as Velcade can affect your blood glucose levels.
Is Velcade used for chemotherapy?
Velcade is used as initial therapy in patients, regardless of whether they are candidates for high dose chemotherapy and stem-cell transplant . Velcade is used alone or in combination with a variety of anti-myeloma drugs for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory myeloma.
Is Velcade better than VAD?
Velcade-dexamethasone is more effective than the once commonly used VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) therapy as up-front treatment for multiple myeloma in patients eligible for transplant, according to data from a large phase 3 clinical trial.
Does revlimid work on myeloma?
Revlimid is thought to make myeloma cells more sensitive to Velcade and dexamethasone. The combination of Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone (VRD or RVD) has been shown to be very effective as frontline therapy, with unprecedented activity seen, even in patients with high-risk features.
What is Velcade used for?
What Velcade Is Used For: Treatment of multiple myeloma. Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior therapy. Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.
What are the side effects of Velcade?
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Velcade: Fatigue, generalized weakness.
Where to inject Velcade?
As a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the thigh or abdomen. The amount of Velcade that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
Does Bortezemib work on multiple myeloma?
In the laboratory, it has been shown that cancer cells are more susceptible to the effects of proteasome inhibitors, than normal cells are. In multiple myeloma, bortezemib works by blocking the activation of adhesion molecules that allow plasma cells to "nest" in the bone marrow.
Can you get pregnant with Velcade?
For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Velcade. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy. Do not breast feed while taking Velcade.
Do side effects of a syringe go away?
Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed. Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects. There is no relationship between the presence or severity ...
Can you take aspirin with Velcade?
Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
Introduction
If you have a certain type of blood cancer, your doctor might suggest Velcade (bortezomib) as a treatment option for you.
What are the more common side effects of Velcade?
Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Velcade treatment. Examples of a few of Velcade’s commonly reported side effects include:
What are the mild side effects of Velcade?
Velcade may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Velcade include:
What are the serious side effects of Velcade?
Some people taking Velcade may experience serious side effects. But these side effects are more rare than mild side effects. Even so, it’s important to be aware of serious side effects that may occur so that you can get treatment for them right away. In rare cases, serious side effects can be fatal if not treated.
Side effects explained
You may experience side effects from taking Velcade. Below, learn more about some of the side effects Velcade may cause.
Warnings for Velcade
Velcade may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Velcade. The list below includes factors to consider.
What to ask your doctor
You may experience side effects from taking Velcade. In some cases, your side effects may be mild and may go away on their own. However, more serious side effects are possible.
Velcade maintenance therapy - how long?
Our Mayo Clinic psychiatrist mentioned most cancer patients have the treatment of maintenance chemotherapy in remission after five years, then these patients are able to finish the treatment in full recovery. Is it true to multiple myeloma on pancreatic and pelvic (extramedullary plasmacytoma)? She already has more than forty cycles of maintenance chemotherapy without stem cell transplant (SCT) by using Velcade around fifty five months.
Re: Velcade maintenance therapy - how long?
Hi Chen, JPC makes some good points. I think your mom is extremely fortunate that she has done so well given she was dealing with extramedullary plasmacytomas. The development of extramedullary plasmacytomas is generally associated with a poor prognosis.
Re: Velcade maintenance therapy - how long?
Well, we do have to visit cancer center at Stanford Hospital today in the morning. She not only have very little side effects of numb, but also feel numbness and burning above abdomen last month, and have the 43rd cycle of Velcade maintenance therapy at Stanford.
Re: Velcade maintenance therapy - how long?
One more brief idea for you. First, I am not the doctor, who very well may have a very good reason for his/her approach that I have no idea of. I do hear that some patients do go over to Velcade maintenance if they cannot tolerate the Rev, and vice versa.
Re: Velcade maintenance therapy - how long?
Well, we finished the wonderful cruise along the west coast last week, and will have another 15-day Hawaii cruise on Nov. 25, 2015.
