Velcade

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Velcade if you have a known allergy to bortezomib, boron or mannitol, other than a local reaction. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred. Velcade must never be given into the spinal fluid (intrathecally), as this has caused deaths. Your prescriber should carefully assess the risks and benefits if you already have severe nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Extra caution is needed if you take blood pressure medicines, have a history of fainting, are dehydrated, or have heart disease or risk factors for it. Velcade can cause new or worsening heart failure. Treatment requires monitoring for nerve damage, low blood pressure, serious lung problems, low platelet and white blood cell counts, and liver injury. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation may need treatment or fluid replacement. People with a large tumour burden need close monitoring for tumour lysis syndrome. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose may need closer monitoring and your diabetes medicines may need adjustment. New or worsening breathing problems, visual changes or neurological symptoms need prompt medical assessment. Treatment may need to be interrupted or stopped if serious lung problems, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (a brain condition), or thrombotic microangiopathy (damage to small blood vessels) is suspected. Velcade can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant and men with partners who could become pregnant should use effective contraception.