Bortezomib injection

What is this medicine?

BORTEZOMIB (bor TEZ oh mib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle-cell lymphoma.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein or for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in hearing

• changes in vision

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• right upper belly pain

• seizures

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in emotions or moods

• constipation

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• headache

• irritation at site where injected

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• ketoconazole

• rifampin

• ritonavir

• St. John's Wort

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• irregular heartbeat

• liver disease

• on hemodialysis

• low blood counts, like low white blood cells, platelets, or hemoglobin

• peripheral neuropathy

• taking medicine for blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to bortezomib, mannitol, boron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

In some patients, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your doctor right away. If you cannot reach your doctor, urgently seek other source of medical care.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 7 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for at least 4 months after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 months after stopping it.

This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.