[Sonia]

Can generic bortezomib be given subcutaneously?

by Sonia on Wed Jan 23, 2019 12:17 pm

Hello,

We have been told that there are generic bortezomib (Velcade) formulations available here in India that we may wish to consider for my father's treatment.

Does anyone know whether these generic Velcade formulations can be administered sub­cu­ta­ne­ously?

[Multibilly]

Re: Can generic bortezomib be given subcutaneously?

by Multibilly on Thu Jan 24, 2019 9:27 am

Hi Sonia,

There are actually a few different generic bortezomib formulations in India (i.e. Bortiva, Bortrac, Borviz, Mibor, Onbort). You would need to check with your doctor to make sure that the one you would be taking can be administered subcutaneously. However, having said that, there are not different formulations of the brand name Velcade for the purpose of subcutaneous versus IV administration. So, I'm guessing that the generic formulations can also be administered subcutaneously. But again, you would need to check with your doctor.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Can generic bortezomib be given subcutaneously?

by Nancy Shamanna on Thu Jan 24, 2019 9:40 am

In Canada, a generic version of Velcade has been in use for a few years now. It can be given subcutaneously, which is said to helpful in reducing neuropathy. It is also much faster to give bortezomib by subcutaneous than by infusion.

Anecdotally, it is said that an oncology nurse accidentally gave the drug subcutaneously. This was one of those serendipitous accidents that proved to be a blessing in disguise. The subcutaneous Velcade dosing worked well and studies were done to show that.

As Multibilly says, it is a matter that your doctor could help you with.

[Multibilly]

Re: Can generic bortezomib be given subcutaneously?

by Multibilly on Thu Jan 24, 2019 11:26 am

Hi Sonia,

See Cheryl's comments here. There can be important differences between brand name Velcade and generic versions.

So, again, you should consult with your doctor.

[Sonia]

Re: Can generic bortezomib be given subcutaneously?

by Sonia on Fri Mar 15, 2019 3:28 am

Thank you, Multibilly and Nancy. I appreciate your responses.. Cheryl's post was very informative!

Sorry for the delay in responding to this post. My dad's had a rough couple of weeks. He's developed this strange wheeze post his Velcade-dex days. We had a chest x-ray, which is clear, so can only assume it's a reaction to the treatment.

We will be switching to a generic bortezomib formulation. Our oncologist says it can be given subcutaneously as well. Hopefully my dad will be able to tolerate it well.