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bortezomib - injection, Velcade

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GENERIC NAME: BORTEZOMIB - INJECTION (bor-TEZ-oh-mib)

BRAND NAME(S): Velcade

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a healthcare professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.It is important to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this drug to prevent becoming dehydrated. Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this drug, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, or blurred vision 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.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, change in the amount of urine, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.