Details

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. To make sure bortezomib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have diabetes liver disease kidney disease, or 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 lung disease or breathing problems herpes or a history of shingles high or low blood pressure or nerve problems such as numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling. Do not use bortezomib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Typical Uses

Bortezomib is a cancer chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of tumours (e.g., multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma). It blocks certain proteins which help to slow the growth and spread of the cancer. This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this drug to prevent becoming dehydrated.

Side Effects

Bortezomib may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. Contact your medical professional immediately 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. Some of the other side effects of bortezomib include a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out chest pain, dry cough, swelling in your hands or ankles, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion diarrhoea that is severe or ongoing easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin muscle cramps, feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin low white blood cell counts or signs of tumour cell breakdown.

Drug Interactions

• Bortezomib+adalimumab- Using adalimumab together with bortezomib may increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Bortezomib+BCG- If you are currently being treated or have recently been treated with bortezomib, you should talk to your doctor before receiving BCG. Depending on the dose and length of time you have been on bortezomib, you may be at risk for developing an infection from the vaccine or have a reduced response to the vaccine.

• Bortezomib+deferiprone- Deferiprone can lower white blood cell count, and combining it with other medications that can also affect bone marrow function such as bortezomib may increase the risk. You may be more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening infections as a result.

• Bortezomib+golimumab- Using bortezomib together with golimumab may increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Mechanism of action

Bortezomib belongs to the class of drugs called proteasome inhibitors. Proteasomes are proteins which play an important role in growth and multiplication of cancer cells. Bortezomib blocks the action of proteasome, and reduces the growth of cancerous (actively growing) cells.

Pregnancy Category : D