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What Are the Side Effects of Velcade?

Velcade is a cancer medication in a class of drugs called proteasome inhibitors. Proteasomes are enzymes that help to control cell functions. Velcade functions by stopping the activity of proteasomes, thus helping to stop the growth of cancer cells. Studies have shown that Velcade is beneficial for patients with bone disease, yet as with many drugs, certain side effects are possible for those who are on Velcade.

  1. General Side Effects

    • There are many general side effects of Velcade that are not serious. The most common side effect is fatigue during the first two cycles of therapy. Other side effects are weakness throughout the body, fever, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dehydration, anxiety, back pain, abdominal pain and rigors.

    Nervous System Side Effects

    • Nervous system side effects have been reported and some are quite serious. They include peripheral neuropathy, neuralgia, feelings of pins and needles or other abnormal sensations, dizziness, headache, ataxia and paralysis. In some cases coma, seizures, stroke, motor dysfunctions, compression of the spinal cord and cerebral hemorrhaging have occurred. Up to half of all patients treated with the drug have experienced peripheral neuropathy which typically resolves after cessation of treatment.

    Gastrointestinal Side Effects

    • Mild and severe gastrointestinal side effects have been reported by patients on Velcade. Mild side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation and decreased appetite. Thirteen percent of users suffered serious gastrointestinal side effects while on Velcade, including hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, perforation, peritonitis and pancreatitis.

    Cardiovascular and Respiratory Side Effects

    • Serious cardiovascular side effects have occurred including hypertension, hypotension, heart attack, embolisms, angina and atrioventricular blockage. Almost 1/4 of users experienced shortness of breath and/or cough. More severe respiratory side effects have included upper respiratory infections, lung infections, bronchitis, obstructive airways disease, respiratory distress syndrome and complete respiratory failure.

    Other Side Effects

    • Patients have reported experiencing joint pain, low platelet count, loss of taste, blurred vision, slurred speech, impaired hearing, vertigo and skin rash. As many as 35 percent of patients have suffered psychiatric side effects include anorexia, confusion, mood changes and suicidal thoughts. Urinary tract troubles may also occur.

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