Bortezomib
Pronunciation: (bor-TEZ-oh-mib).
- Generic name
- Bortezomib
- Brand names
- Borviz, Velcade, Bortecad, Bortenat
- Drug class
- Proteasome inhibitor
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Bortezomib is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Bortezomib works
Bortezomib is a reversible inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, a complex responsible for degrading ubiquitinated proteins. Inhibition of the proteasome disrupts multiple signaling cascades within the cell, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing malignant plasma cells. (1) (2)
What Bortezomib is used for
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma (2)
Lymphoma
Lymphoma (2)
Before taking Bortezomib
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol. (Contraindication) (2)
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Bortezomib
- General Instructions: Bortezomib is administered by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. Do not attempt to self-administer.. Adult Dosing: The typical starting dose is 1.3 mg/m² administered either intravenously or subcutaneously twice weekly for two weeks, followed by a 10-day rest period (one cycle = 21 days). Dosing may be adjusted based on response and side effects.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in pediatric patients is determined by a specialist and may require dose adjustments.. Administration: Given as an injection under the skin or into a vein by a trained healthcare provider. Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation.. When To Stop: Treatment may be stopped if there are severe side effects, allergic reactions, or if your doctor determines it is no longer effective.. Storage: Unopened vials are stored at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in the original package protected from light — not refrigerated. Once reconstituted, use within 8 hours; reconstituted solution may be kept at 25°C (77°F).
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule. Do not double up or self-administer a missed dose.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include severe low blood pressure, fainting, or life-threatening complications. Supportive care and monitoring are essential. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Diarrhea
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, or pain in hands or feet)
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Fatigue
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Constipation
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Vomiting
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count)
Incidence: Very common (>=20%)
Serious warnings
May cause severe nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) — serious
Symptoms: May cause severe nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Increases risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts. Can cause low platelet counts, increasing bleeding risk. May cause heart or lung complications. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol. Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, pre-existing neuropathy, or cardiovascular disease. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Bortezomib must never be given intrathecally (into the spinal fluid) — this route of administration is contraindicated and has resulted in fatal outcomes — serious
Symptoms: Bortezomib must never be given intrathecally (into the spinal fluid) — this route of administration is contraindicated and has resulted in fatal outcomes.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Bortezomib can interact with certain medications, including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine), and some herbal supplements. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Bortezomib can cause fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the final dose. A pregnant patient, or a patient who becomes pregnant, should discuss the risks with the treating clinician promptly. (2)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not advised during treatment and for 2 months after the final dose, because of the potential for serious adverse effects in a breastfed infant. Discuss feeding options with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: no starting-dose adjustment is required; if the patient is on dialysis, bortezomib should be given after the dialysis session. Hepatic impairment: no adjustment for mild impairment; for moderate or severe hepatic impairment, the treating clinician typically starts at a reduced dose (0.7 mg/m^2) and adjusts based on tolerability. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: no starting-dose adjustment is required; if the patient is on dialysis, bortezomib should be given after the dialysis session. Hepatic impairment: no adjustment for mild impairment; for moderate or severe hepatic impairment, the treating clinician typically starts at a reduced dose (0.7 mg/m^2) and adjusts based on tolerability. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Unopened vials are stored at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) — brief excursions between 15°C and 30°C are permitted — kept in the original package to protect from light. This is not a refrigerated product before reconstitution. Once reconstituted, the solution should be used within 8 hours and may be kept at 25°C (77°F) during that window.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Multiple Myeloma
Dose summary: 1.3 mg/m² administered as an intravenous push or subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle.
Renal context: No starting-dose adjustment required for renal impairment; if the patient is on dialysis, administer bortezomib after the dialysis session. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is bortezomib used for?
Bortezomib is primarily used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, both of which are types of blood cancer.
How is bortezomib given?
It is given as an injection either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous) by a healthcare professional.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands or feet).
Can I take bortezomib if I am pregnant?
No, bortezomib is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule the missed dose. Do not attempt to self-administer.
Are there any foods or medicines I should avoid?
Avoid live vaccines and inform your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking to prevent interactions.
How long will I need to take bortezomib?
The duration of treatment depends on your response and your doctor's recommendations. Treatment is usually given in cycles.
What happens if I take too much Bortezomib?
Taking too much Bortezomib can lead to severe side effects, potentially including worsening peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, and bone marrow suppression. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Healthcare providers will manage symptoms and provide supportive care to mitigate the effects of the overdose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Bortezomib?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Bortezomib. Alcohol can exacerbate some of the common side effects of Bortezomib, such as peripheral neuropathy and liver toxicity. Discussing alcohol intake with your healthcare provider is important to understand individual risks and receive personalized recommendations during your treatment.
Is Bortezomib safe during pregnancy?
Bortezomib's safety during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally not recommended due to potential risks to the fetus. It falls under a pregnancy category that advises caution. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterward. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What is the mechanism of action of Bortezomib?
Bortezomib is a reversible inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, a complex responsible for degrading ubiquitinated proteins. Inhibition of the proteasome disrupts multiple signaling cascades within the cell, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing malignant plasma cells. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Bortezomib?
The generic name is Bortezomib. It is sold under brand names including Borviz, Velcade, Bortecad, Bortenat.
What class of drug is Bortezomib?
Bortezomib is classed as: Proteasome inhibitor.
References
- Bortezomib — Clinician-authored Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- VELCADE (bortezomib) for injection — prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- BORTEZOMIB INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION [AVENACY, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Bortezomib Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Bortezomib — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA212204)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Bortezomib — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 358258)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Bortezomib names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- BORUZU3.5 mg.4mL · amneal pharmaceuticals llc
- VELCADE3.5 mg · takeda pharmaceuticals america, inc.
Canada
- VELCADE