Drug Reference

Bortezomib

Proteasome inhibitors

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Fact box

Therapeutic class
Proteasome inhibitors
Action class
Proteasome Inhibitor
Mechanism
Proteasome Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

BoruzuVelcade

Available as

1 MG · Injection2.5 MG · Injection1.4 ML · Injection3.5 ML · Injection3.5 MG · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bortezomib for injection is a proteasome inhibitor indicated for: • treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma ( 1.1 ) • treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Multiple Myeloma Bortezomib for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma. 1.2 Mantle Cell Lymphoma Bortezomib for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Bortezomib is a reversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome in mammalian cells. The 26S proteasome is a large protein complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in regulating the intracellular concentration of specific proteins, thereby maintaining homeostasis within cells. Inhibition of the 26S proteasome prevents this targeted proteolysis, which can affect multiple signaling cascades within the cell. This disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms can lead to cell death. Experiments have demonstrated that bortezomib is cytotoxic to a variety of cancer cell types in vitro . Bortezomib causes a delay in tumor growth in vivo in nonclinical tumor models, including multiple myeloma.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • For subcutaneous or intravenous use only. Each route of administration has a different reconstituted concentration. Exercise caution when calculating the volume to be administered. ( 2.1 , 2.10 ) • The recommended starting dose of bortezomib for injection is 1.3 mg/m 2 administered either as a 3 to 5 second bolus intravenous injection or subcutaneous injection. ( 2.2 , 2.4 , 2.6 ) • Retreatment for Multiple Myeloma: May retreat starting at the last tolerated dose. ( 2.6 ) • Hepatic Impairment: Use a lower starting dose for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.8 ) • Dose must be individualized to prevent overdose. ( 2.10 ) 2.1 Important Dosing Guidelines Bortezomib for injection is for intravenous or subcutaneous use only. Do not administer bortezomib for injection by any other route. Because each route of administration has a different reconstituted concentration, use caution when calculating the volume to be administered. The recommended starting dose of bortezomib for injection is 1.3 mg/m 2 . Bortezomib for injection is administered intravenously at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, or subcutaneously at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.10 )]. Bortezomib for injection retreatment may be considered for patients with multiple myeloma who had previously responded to treatment with bortezomib for injection and who have relapsed at least six months after completing prior bortezomib for injection treatment. Treatment may be started at the last tolerated dose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. When administered intravenously, administer bortezomib for injection as a 3 to 5 second bolus intravenous injection. 2.2 Dosage in Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Bortezomib for injection is administered in combination with oral melphalan and oral prednisone for 9, six week treatment cycles as shown in Table 1 . In Cycles 1 to 4, bortezomib for injection is administered twice weekly (Days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32). In Cycles 5 to 9, bortezomib for injection is administered once weekly (Days 1, 8, 22 and 29). At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of bortezomib for injection. Table 1: Dosage Regimen for Patients with Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Twice Weekly Bortezomib for Injection (Cycles 1 to 4) Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bortezomib for injection (1.3 mg/m 2 ) Day 1 -- -- Day 4 Day 8 Day 11 rest period Day 22 Day 25 Day 29 Day 32 rest period Melphalan (9 mg/m 2 ) Prednisone (60 mg/m 2 ) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 -- -- rest period -- -- -- -- rest period Once Weekly Bortezomib for Injection (Cycles 5 to 9 when used in combination with Melphalan and Prednisone) Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bortezomib for injection (1.3 mg/m 2 ) Day 1 -- -- Day 8 rest period Day 22 Day 29 rest period Melphalan (9 mg/m 2 ) Prednisone (60 mg/m 2 ) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 -- -- rest period -- -- -- -- rest period 2.3 Dose Modification Guidelines for Bortezomib for Injection When Given in Combination with Melphalan and Prednisone Prior to initiating any cycle of therapy with bortezomib for injection in combination with melphalan and prednisone: • Platelet count should be at least 70 x 10 9 /L and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be at least 1 x 10 9 /L • Nonhematological toxicities should have resolved to Grade 1 or baseline Table 2: Dose Modifications During Cycles of Combination Bortezomib for Injection, Melphalan and Prednisone Therapy Toxicity Dose Moidification or Delay Hematological toxicity during a cycle: If prolonged Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia with bleeding is observed in the previous cycle Consider reduction of the melphalan dose by 25% in the next cycle If platelet count is not above 30 x 10 9 /L or ANC is not above 0.75 x 10 9 /L on a bortezomib for injection dosing day (other than Day 1) Withhold bortezomib for injection dose If several bortezomib for injection doses in consecutive cycles are withheld due to toxi
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: • Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Gastrointestinal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Thrombocytopenia/Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] • Thrombotic Microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in clinical studies include nausea, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, neuralgia, anemia, leukopenia, constipation, vomiting, lymphopenia, rash, pyrexia, and anorexia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hetero Labs Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Summary of Clinical Trial in Patients with Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Table 9 describes safety data from 340 patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m 2 ) administered intravenously in combination with melphalan (9 mg/m 2 ) and prednisone (60 mg/m 2 ) in a prospective randomized study. The safety profile of bortezomib in combination with melphalan/prednisone is consistent with the known safety profiles of both bortezomib and melphalan/prednisone. Table 9: Most Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions (≥ 10% in the Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone Arm) with Grades 3 and ≥ 4 Intensity in the Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Study Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone Melphalan and Prednisone (n=340) ( n =337) Body System Total Toxicity Grade, n (%) Total Toxicity Grade, n (%) Adverse Reaction n (%) 3 ≥ 4 n (%) 3 ≥ 4 Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Thrombocytopenia 164 (48) 60 (18) 57 (17) 140 (42) 48 (14) 39 (12) Neutropenia 160 (47) 101 (30) 33 (10) 143 (42) 77 (23) 42 (12) Anemia 109 (32) 41 (12) 4 (1) 156 (46) 61 (18) 18 (5) Leukopenia 108 (32) 64 (19) 8 (2) 93 (28) 53 (16) 11 (3) Lymphopenia 78 (23) 46 (14) 17 (5) 51 (15) 26 (8) 7 (2) Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 134 (39) 10 (3) 0 70 (21) 1 (< 1) 0 Diarrhea 119 (35) 19 (6) 2 (1) 20 (6) 1 (< 1) 0 Vomiting 87 (26) 13 (4) 0 41 (12) 2 (1) 0 Constipation 77 (23) 2 (1) 0 14 (4) 0 0 Abdominal pain upper 34 (10) 1 (< 1) 0 20 (6) 0 0 Nervous System Disorders Peripheral neuropathy * 156 (46) 42 (12) 2 (1) 4 (1) 0 0 Neuralgia 117 (34) 27 (8) 2 (1) 1 (< 1) 0 0 Paresthesia 42 (12) 6 (2) 0 4 (1) 0 0 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 85 (25) 19 (6) 2 (1) 48 (14) 4 (1) 0 Asthenia 54 (16) 18 (5) 0 23 (7) 3 (1) 0 Pyrexia 53 (16) 4 (1) 0 19 (6) 1 (< 1) 1 (< 1) Infections and Infestations Herpes Zoster 39 (11) 11 (3) 0 9 (3) 4 (1) 0 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 64 (19) 6 (2) 0 19 (6) 0 0 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash 38 (11) 2 (1) 0 7 (2) 0 0 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 35 (10) 1 (< 1) 0 21 (6) 0 0 * Represents High Level Term Peripheral Neuropathies NEC Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Randomized Study of Bortezomib vs Dexamethasone The safety data described below and in Table 10 reflect exposure to either bortezomib (n=331) or dexamethasone (n=332) in a study of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Bortezomib was administered intravenously at doses of 1.3 mg/m 2 twice weekly for two out of three weeks (21

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] and findings in animals, bortezomib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no studies with the use of bortezomib in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Bortezomib caused embryo-fetal lethality in rabbits at doses lower than the clinical dose (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Bortezomib was not teratogenic in nonclinical developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits at the highest dose tested (0.075 mg/kg; 0.5 mg/m 2 in the rat and 0.05 mg/kg; 0.6 mg/m 2 in the rabbit) when administered during organogenesis. These dosages are approximately 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1.3 mg/m 2 based on body surface area. Bortezomib caused embryo-fetal lethality in rabbits at doses lower than the clinical dose (approximately 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1.3 mg/m 2 based on body surface area). Pregnant rabbits given bortezomib during organogenesis at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg (0.6 mg/m 2 ) experienced significant postimplantation loss and decreased number of live fetuses. Live fetuses from these litters also showed significant decreases in fetal weight.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of bortezomib or its metabolites in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed child, or the effects of the drug on milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverConsult your doctor
…Hepatic Impairment: Use a lower starting dose for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Peripheral Neuropathy: Manage with dose modification or discontinuation. ( 2.7 ) Patients with pre-existing severe neuropathy should be treated with bortezomib only after careful risk-benefit assessment. ( 2.7 , 5.1 ) • Hypotension: Use caution when treating patients taking anti hypertensives, with a history of syncope, or with dehydration. ( 5.2 ) • Cardiac Toxicity: Worsening of and development of cardiac failure has occurred. Closely monitor patients with existing heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. ( 5.3 ) • Pulmonary Toxicity: Acute respiratory syndromes have occurred. Monitor closely for new or worsening symptoms and consider interrupting bortezomib therapy. ( 5.4 ) • Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Consider MRI imaging for onset of visual or neurological symptoms; discontinue bortezomib if suspected. ( 5.5 ) • Gastrointestinal Toxicity: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting may require use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications or fluid replacement. ( 5.6 ) • Thrombocytopenia and Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts regularly throughout treatment. ( 5.7 ) • Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Closely monitor patients with high tumor burden. ( 5.8 ) • Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic enzymes during treatment. Interrupt bortezomib therapy to assess reversibility. ( 5.9 ) • Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Monitor for signs and symptoms. Discontinue bortezomib if suspected. ( 5.10 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Bortezomib can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Peripheral Neuropathy Bortezomib treatment causes a peripheral neuropathy that is predominantly sensory; however, cases of severe sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy have been reported. Patients with pre-existing symptoms (numbness, pain or a burning feeling in the feet or hands) and/or signs of peripheral neuropathy may experience worsening peripheral neuropathy (including ≥ Grade 3) during treatment with bortezomib. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of neuropathy, such as a burning sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, neuropathic pain or weakness. In the Phase 3 relapsed multiple myeloma trial comparing bortezomib subcutaneous vs intravenous, the incidence of Grade ≥ 2 peripheral neuropathy was 24% for subcutaneous and 39% for intravenous. Grade ≥ 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 6% of patients in the subcutaneous treatment group, compared with 15% in the intravenous treatment group [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Starting bortezomib subcutaneously may be considered for patients with pre-existing or at high risk of peripheral neuropathy. Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy during bortezomib therapy may require a decrease in the dose and/or a less dose-intense schedule [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )]. In the bortezomib vs dexamethasone Phase 3 relapsed multiple myeloma study, improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 48% of patients with ≥ Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy following dose adjustment or interruption. Improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 73% of patients who discontinued due to Grade 2 neuropathy or who had ≥ Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy in the Phase 2 multiple myeloma studies. The long-term outcome of peripheral neuropathy has not been studied in mantle cell lymphoma. 5.2 Hypotension The incidence of hypotension (postural, orthostatic, and hypotension NOS) was 8% [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . These events are observed throughout therapy. Patients with a history of syncope, patients receiving medications known to be associated with hypotension, and patients who are dehydrated may be at increased risk of hypotension. Management of orthostatic/postural hypotension may include adjustment of antihypertensive
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Bortezomib is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity (not including local reactions) to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol. Reactions have included anaphylactic reactions [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Bortezomib is contraindicated for intrathecal administration. Fatal events have occurred with intrathecal administration of bortezomib. • Patients with hypersensitivity (not including local reactions) to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol, including anaphylactic reactions. ( 4 ) • Contraindicated for intrathecal administration. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. The activity and safety of bortezomib in combination with intensive reinduction chemotherapy was evaluated in pediatric and young adult patients with lymphoid malignancies (pre-B cell ALL 77%, 16% with T-cell ALL, and 7% T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL)), all of whom relapsed within 36 months of initial diagnosis in a single-arm multicenter, nonrandomized cooperative group trial. An effective reinduction multiagent chemotherapy regimen was administered in three blocks. Block 1 included vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin and pegaspargase; Block 2 included cyclophosphamide, etoposide and methotrexate; Block 3 included high-dose cytosine arabinoside and asparaginase. Bortezomib was administered at a dose of 1.3 mg/m 2 as a bolus intravenous injection on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of Block 1 and Days 1, 4, and 8 of Block 2. There were 140 patients with ALL or LL enrolled and evaluated for safety. The median age was ten years (range: 1 to 26), 57% were male, 70% were white, 14% were black, 4% were Asian, 2% were American Indian/Alaska Native, 1% were Pacific Islander. The activity was evaluated in a prespecified subset of the first 60 evaluable patients enrolled on the study with pre-B ALL ≤21 years and relapsed <36 months from diagnosis. The complete remission (CR) rate at day 36 was compared to that in a historical control set of patients who had received the identical backbone therapy without bortezomib. There was no evidence that the addition of bortezomib had any impact on the CR rate. No new safety concerns were observed when bortezomib was added to a chemotherapy backbone regimen as compared with a historical control group in which the backbone regimen was given without bortezomib. The BSA-normalized clearance of bortezomib in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adults.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Closely monitor patients with concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) • Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use. (7.3) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Bortezomib Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Coadministration with a strong CYP3A4 inducer decreases the exposure of bortezomib [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] which may decrease bortezomib efficacy. Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Coadministration with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increases the exposure of bortezomib [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] which may increase the risk of bortezomib toxicities. Monitor patients for signs of bortezomib toxicity and consider a bortezomib dose reduction if bortezomib must be given in combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. 7.2 Drugs Without Clinically Significant Interactions with Bortezomib No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed when bortezomib was coadministered with dexamethasone, omeprazole, or melphalan in combination with prednisone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is no known specific antidote for bortezomib overdosage. In humans, fatal outcomes following the administration of more than twice the recommended therapeutic dose have been reported, which were associated with the acute onset of symptomatic hypotension (5.2) and thrombocytopenia (5.7). In the event of an overdosage, the patient's vital signs should be monitored and appropriate supportive care given. Studies in monkeys and dogs showed that intravenous bortezomib doses as low as two times the recommended clinical dose on a mg/m 2 basis were associated with increases in heart rate, decreases in contractility, hypotension, and death. In dog studies, a slight increase in the corrected QT interval was observed at doses resulting in death. In monkeys, doses of 3.0 mg/m 2 and greater (approximately twice the recommended clinical dose) resulted in hypotension starting at one hour postadministration, with progression to death in 12 to 14 hours following drug administration.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

7 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.