Velcade may cause loss of sensation of the fingers or toes. Patients should use caution when around extreme heat or cold, as they may not feel burns or frostbite occur. Velcade may cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or vision abnormalities.
Full Answer
How long will I need to take Velcade?
How long you’ll need to take Velcade depends on a few things. These include: If you’re using Velcade for multiple myeloma that hasn’t been treated in the past, you’ll likely take Velcade for nine 6-week treatment cycles. And this treatment regimen typically lasts for an average of 54 weeks.
What is Velcade used to treat?
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. Velcade may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Velcade?
Velcade and alcohol can both also cause nausea or vomiting. So drinking alcohol with Velcade may make these side effects worse. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) may be safe for you to drink during your Velcade treatment.
Do I need to use contraceptives with Velcade?
If using hormonal contraceptives (for example, the pill), an additional barrier method of contraception (for example, diaphragm or condom) must be used. 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.
Does VELCADE weaken immune system?
Lowered white blood cells (neutropenia). VELCADE can cause low levels of neutrophils which are a type of white blood cell that help to fight infections. If your white blood cells become low, you can be at higher risk for infections. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever or believe you have an infection.
How long does VELCADE stay in your system?
Official answer. 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%).
Does VELCADE make you tired?
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.
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.
Does chemo for multiple myeloma make you sick?
Meds like bortezomib (Velcade), carfilzomib (Kyprolis), and ixazomib (Ninlaro) can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Other chemotherapy drugs, bisphosphonates, and radiation treatments can make you queasy or throw up. Steroids may also make your stomach upset.
Can myeloma make you sick?
A high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia) can develop in people with multiple myeloma because too much calcium is released from affected bones into the bloodstream. Symptoms of hypercalcaemia can include: extreme thirst. feeling sick.
How strong is VELCADE?
Velcade comes in one strength: 3.5 milligrams (mg) of bortezomib per vial. The strength of your dose depends on how you'll receive Velcade: IV dosing is given in a strength of 1 mg per milliliter of solution (mg/mL) subcutaneous dosing is given in a strength of 2.5 mg/mL.
How long is VELCADE treatment for multiple myeloma?
Velcade is given for nine 6-week treatment cycles.
Do you lose your hair with VELCADE?
Hair loss. 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.)
What foods should I avoid with multiple myeloma?
Since multiple myeloma makes your immune system weaker, you'll need to steer clear of any foods that could make you sick, including:Raw meat or fish.Runny eggs.Unpasteurized drinks.Sushi.Unwashed fruits and vegetables.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is in remission?
When you're in remission, you won't have any symptoms of multiple myeloma, but a few abnormal plasma cells still remain in your body. Treatments can't kill every single cancer cell. There just may be too few abnormal cells for tests to spot.
How long can myeloma remission last?
They indicate that a person may have a period of response to treatment that lasts 2 to 3 years or longer. Other research suggests the initial remission period may last 4 years or more.
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 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 long does it take to take Velcade?
VELCADE is given once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a 13-day rest period. This sequence is then repeated to make one 6-week cycle. There are 5 cycles in the second treatment phase. You must wait at least 3 days between VELCADE doses.
What is velcade used for?
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. It has been studied in a wide range of people, including those with renal impairment and diabetes.
How does Velcade work?
As a targeted therapy, VELCADE works by blocking or slowing down the action of proteasomes inside cells. The function of proteasomes is to break down proteins in both healthy and cancerous cells.
How long does Velcae last?
In a study, half of the people taking VELCADE-based therapy stayed on VELCADE for at least 50 weeks out of a planned 54 weeks.
How many cycles of Velcade are there?
There are 4 cycles in the first treatment phase. VELCADE is given once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a 13-day rest period. This sequence is then repeated to make one 6-week cycle. There are 5 cycles in the second treatment phase.
How long does it take for Velcae to work?
VELCADE was the first-ever treatment of its kind, called a proteasome inhibitor, specifically approved for multiple myeloma. In this study of VELCADE, in previously untreated people, some people had their best response as early as 6 weeks. Others continued to respond after 6 months of treatment.
How often is Velcae given?
VELCADE is given twice weekly followed by once-weekly dosing. First 6 months—Twice-weekly doses. VELCADE is given twice a week for 2 weeks, followed by a 10-day rest period. This sequence is then repeated to make one 6-week cycle. There are 4 cycles in the first treatment phase.
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.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy may develop during Velcade treatment. This was a common side effect in clinical studies of the drug.
Cardiac problems
Cardiac problems may occur with Velcade. (“Cardiac” means heart-related.) Heart-related side effects were common in clinical studies of the drug.
Bruising
Bruising may develop during Velcade treatment. This side effect can be caused by a condition called thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets). Platelets are cells that help your blood to clot.
Severe digestive problems
Severe digestive problems are possible with Velcade. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Digestive problems were common side effects in clinical studies of the drug.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Velcade can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not known how often this occurred in clinical studies of the drug.
Alcohol use with Velcade
There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Velcade. But drinking alcohol could worsen certain side effects of Velcade, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Velcade
Here’s some information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and Velcade treatment.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.