Drugs Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Bortezomib Dosage
Your healthcare provider will need your height and weight to calculate an appropriate and safe dosage of bortezomib. Other factors that he or she will take into consideration include how well you tolerate this medicine and whether you have other medical problems. This chemotherapy drug is given either as an injection into a vein or just under the skin. It will be administered by your healthcare provider.
An Introduction to Your Dosage of Bortezomib
The dose of bortezomib (Velcade®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, based on a number of factors, including:- Your height and weight
- The reason you are using the medication
- How well you tolerate it
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
What Is the Recommended Bortezomib Dosage?
The usual recommended dose of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma is based on body surface area, which is calculated based on your height and weight.Bortezomib Dosing for the First-Time Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
When used to treat multiple myeloma in people who have not been previously treated, bortezomib is given in combination with two medications that are taken by mouth: melphalan (Alkeran®) and prednisone. The three medicines are used for about 54 weeks.For the first 24 weeks of treatment, bortezomib is usually given twice a week for weeks one and two, followed by a 10-day break. The medication is given again twice a week in weeks four and five, followed by another 10-day break. This represents a six-week treatment cycle, which will repeat four times. Melphalan and prednisone are taken on the first four days of each treatment cycle.
During the last 30 weeks of treatment, bortezomib is normally given once a week during weeks one and two, followed by a 13-day break. It is given again once a week during weeks four and five, followed by another 13-day break. This represents a six-week treatment cycle. Melphalan and prednisone are taken on the first four days of each cycle. This treatment cycle will repeat five times.
Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for bortezomib side effects. You may need to wait longer between doses, receive a lower dose, or permanently stop the medicine if potentially serious side effects occur.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD