|
What is Velcade
 Velcade
interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.
Velcade
is used to in the treatment of the blood cancer multiple myeloma.
Velcade
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Velcade
Velcade should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Because Velcade
is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby, women
of childbearing age should not become pregnant during treatment.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Velcade may cause
drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, or blurred or double vision.
If you experience any of these side effects, avoid hazardous
activities.
Dizziness may be more likely to occur
when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly to minimize
dizziness and prevent a possible fall.
Treatment
with Velcade may cause dehydration due to vomiting and/or
diarrhea. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions
for maintaining adequate fluid intake to reduce the chance
of dehydration. Contact your healthcare provider if you
experience dizziness, light headedness, or fainting, as
these may be signs of dehydration.
Peripheral neuropathy
(nerve problems) is one of the potential side effects of
treatment with Velcade. Contact your healthcare provider
immediately if you experience new or worsening symptoms
of peripheral neuropathy such as burning sensation, numbness,
increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort.
Velcade can lower the activity of the immune system making
you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people
who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and
do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus
(e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Velcade.
In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently
been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that
the virus can be passed on to you. Contact your doctor if
you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms
of a cold or flu or painful or difficult urination.
What you should find out before taking
Velcade
Do not take Velcade without first talking to your
doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- kidney
disease;
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- a low level of platelets or white or red blood
cells;
- a history of low blood pressure or if you
are taking medicine to lower blood pressure; or
-
peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems such as burning sensation,
numbness, increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort).
You may not be able to take Velcade, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Velcade
is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is
known to be harmful to an unborn baby.Do not take this medication
if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided during
treatment with Velcade.
It is not known whether Velcade
passes into breast milk. Do not take Velcade without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Velcade Velcade should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Velcade is administered
by intravenous injection (into a vein). It is usually administered
in a hospital or clinic setting by a healthcare professional.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and
frequency of treatment with Velcade depending upon the type
of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your
doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the
treatment schedule.
Your doctor will probably want
you to have blood tests and other medical evaluations during
treatment with Velcade to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store Velcade as directed
by the manufacturer. If you are storing Velcade at home,
follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: It is important not to miss a dose of Velcade. Contact
your doctor if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of
Velcade is suspected.
Symptoms of a Velcade overdose
are not known.
Avoid while taking Velcade Because Velcade is known to cause birth defects in
an unborn baby, women of childbearing age should not become
pregnant during treatment.
Use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Velcade may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, or blurred
or double vision. If you experience any of these side effects,
avoid hazardous activities.
Dizziness may be more
likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down.
Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and prevent a possible
fall.
Treatment with Velcade may cause dehydration
due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. Follow your healthcare
provider's instructions for maintaining adequate fluid intake
to reduce the chance of dehydration. Contact your healthcare
provider if you experience dizziness, light headedness,
or fainting, as these may be signs of dehydration.
Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking Velcade
before having surgery or dental work. You may bleed more
easily or be more likely to get an infection while taking
Velcade.
Velcade can lower the activity of the immune
system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact
with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious
illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live
strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during
treatment with Velcade. In addition, avoid contact with
individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live
vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed
on to you. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, chills,
sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful
or difficult urination.
Possible side effects of Velcade If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor as soon as possible:
- an allergic reaction
(shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty
breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
- unusual bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, pinpoint
red spots on the skin, or black, bloody or tarry stools
(may be signs of low platelets in the blood);
- new
or worsening nerve problems such as a burning sensation,
numbness, increased or decreased sensation, pain, or discomfort
(may indicate peripheral neuropathy);
- fever, chills,
sore throat, other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful
or difficult urination (may indicate an infection);
-
fainting;
- diarrhea or vomiting; or
- a skin
rash.
Other less serious side effects may occur more
frequently. Continue to take Velcade and talk to your doctor
if you experience:
- nausea or decreased appetite;
- anxiety;
- headache;
- blurred or
double vision;
- dizziness or light headedness;
-
tiredness or weakness; or
- muscle or bone pain.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Velcade
Many
medications may interact with Velcade. Do not take any other
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins
and minerals and herbal supplements, without first talking
to your healthcare provider. |
