Receiving VELCADE® (bortezomib)
VELCADE® (bortezomib) may be given as part of a combination therapy or alone. Like many cancer medications, VELCADE is given in cycles. A cycle of therapy usually includes the number of weeks when you will receive the drug and the week(s) you will rest and not receive the drug. The length and number of cycles (weeks) depend on several factors, including how well a patient responds to treatment and whether side effects occur.
You and your healthcare team will decide the best way for you to receive VELCADE and for how long.
Treatment schedule for previously untreated multiple myeloma
For patients with multiple myeloma who had not been treated before, treatment in the clinical trial lasted about 12 months (54 weeks). VELCADE (bortezomib) was given for 9 treatment cycles, and each cycle lasted 6 weeks (42 days).
- In the first 24 weeks (four 6-week cycles): VELCADE is given twice a week in weeks 1 and 2, followed by a 10-day rest period. VELCADE is given again twice a week in weeks 4 and 5, followed by another 10-day rest period. At the end of 6 weeks, the next treatment cycle begins.
— You must wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each injection.
— Melphalan and prednisone are taken on the first 4 days of every 6-week treatment cycle. - In the next 30 weeks (five 6-week cycles): VELCADE is given once a week in weeks 1 and 2, followed by a 13-day rest period. VELCADE is given again once a week in weeks 4 and 5, followed by a 13-day rest period. At the end of 6 weeks, the next treatment cycle begins.
— Melphalan and prednisone are taken on the first 4 days of every 6-week treatment cycle. - Nine cycles of treatment will last about 12 months.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. Your doctor will also discuss which way of receiving VELCADE—subcutaneously or IV—is best for you. The schedule and dose are the same for both.
This calendar shows the treatment schedule that was studied in clinical trials. You can also click here to download a calendar tool to personalize your treatment schedule based on your healthcare team's recommendation.
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Treatment schedule for relapsed multiple myeloma
For patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, treatment in the clinical trials lasted about 6 months (24 weeks).
Each treatment cycle lasts 3 weeks.
- VELCADE (bortezomib) is given twice a week in weeks 1 and 2, followed by a 10-day rest period. At the end of this rest period, the next cycle begins.
— You must wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each injection. - Eight cycles of treatment will last about 6 months.
- For extended therapy (more than 8 cycles), you may be given VELCADE once a week for 4 weeks, followed by a 13-day rest period (maintenance schedule). Or you may be given VELCADE on a standard schedule twice a week, as described above.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. Your doctor will also discuss which way of receiving VELCADE—subcutaneously or IV—is best for you. The schedule and dose are the same for both.
This calendar shows a typical treatment schedule. You can also click here to download a calendar tool to personalize your treatment schedule based on your healthcare team's recommendation.
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Treatment schedule for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma
For patients with relapsed mantle cell lymphoma, treatment in the clinical trial lasted about 1 year (17 cycles) for some patients. The median number of cycles administered across all patients was 4 and in responding patients was 8. Responding patients received a median of 8 cycles, each cycle lasting 3 weeks.
VELCADE (bortezomib) is given as an injection in your doctor’s office or at a clinic.
- VELCADE is given twice a week in weeks 1 and 2, followed by a 10-day rest period. At the end of this rest period, the next cycle begins.
— You must wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each injection. - Eight cycles of treatment will last about 6 months.
- For extended therapy (maintenance schedule for more than 8 cycles), you may be given VELCADE once a week for 4 weeks, followed by a 13-day rest period. Or you may be given VELCADE on a standard schedule twice a week, as described above.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. Your doctor will also discuss which way of receiving VELCADE—subcutaneously or IV—is best for you. The schedule and dose are the same for both.
This calendar shows a typical treatment schedule. You can also click here to download a calendar tool to personalize your treatment schedule based on your healthcare team's recommendation.
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