Bortezomib is an FDA approved drug injected into the vein or under the skin of patients suffering from multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is the cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bortezomib is available under its branded name Velcade. This anti-cancer drug injected through the skin of the patients is the first to be introduced in the class of multiple myeloma medication called a proteasome inhibitor.
The injection of Bortezomib is primarily meant to treat bone marrow cancer patients having kidney problems at the same time. It is given to the ones who are newly diagnosed with cancer and often injected to those who had relapsed after a period of six months when Velcade was used prior to this period. The injection is suitable for those who cannot resist stem transplantation and do not respond to other cancer medications.
The bottle of Velcade contains the white powdered form of Bortezomib of 3.5 mg. The one bottle of 3.5 mg Bortezomib cost around $1,356, which varies according to the different pharmacies. The medication does not cause blood clotting, which is common in multiple myeloma. It prevents the loss of bone and high-risk genetic mutations in myeloma cells.
The combination of Velcade and Dexamethasone is used in one of the relapse theories. Other combinations used in relapse theories are Velcade, Revlimid and dexamethasone or Velcade, Cytoxan, and Dexamethasone.
The treatment of these antineoplastic or anti-cancer medications for multiple myeloma should be given by a medical expert who is qualified and certified to use these medicines.
How does the drug affect cancer cells?
Proteasomes are enzyme complexes that break down the unwanted protein into small particles to create new forms of proteins for cancer and normal cells. Proteasomes normally recycle the protein in these cells. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor suppresses this protein recycling to cause the death of myeloma cells.
The recommended course of Bortezomib Injection-
The medication should only be given by your cancer specialist as it is not free from side effects. The drug is inserted under the skin or in the vein through the injection once or twice a day. The dose should be taken after a gap of 3 days.
The effects of Bortezomib depends upon several factors, such as your body weight or other medical conditions. Your cancer specialist must have knowledge about your pre-existing medical conditions. The doctor recommends the dose after examining you completely and tests whether you are eligible for this medication.
Change the spot of injecting Bortezomib if you are receiving the treatment through the skin because injecting through the same place can cause further skin damage.
The solution should not be given to the children and is to be stored at room temperature. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided as there is a risk of damage to the solution. The solution can be stored for up to 8 hours.
The Side Effects-
The patients using the Bortezomib injection have reported the complaints of both severe and mild nature of side effects. The unwanted reactions are mainly caused by low platelet counts and less white blood cells. There is an increased risk of diseases in the absence of white blood cells, and clotting of blood is caused by low platelet counts.
Other adverse reactions noted are-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shivering
- Swelling of hands
- Muscle cramps
- Weight loss
Injection through the vein can sometimes cause nerve damage which can lead to the condition of peripheral neuropathy. The nerves of the hands and legs are affected, and the patients can feel pain, tingling, and numbness. This problem will not exist if the treatment is received through the skin.
However, before starting the medication, be cautious about the conditions that you are surviving. You should be careful if you suffer from heart diseases, anaemia, blood sugar fluctuations, or any infection.
Use in Pregnancy: The drug bortezomib may be responsible for causing fetal harm when administered to a woman, who is pregnant. There are no well-controlled findings in pregnant women. In case bortezomib is used during the scenario of pregnancy, or in case the patient becomes pregnant while taking treatment with this medication, the patient needs to be apprised about potential hazard to the fetus.
Storage Guidelines: Unopened Bortezomib vials need to be stored at the controlled room temperature 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted from 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Vials should be retained in the original package to protect from the light.
NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "A complete discussion on Bortezomib Injection" in this article is just for the informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced/qualified healthcare practitioner.
