[NZMum]

Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by NZMum on Mon May 26, 2014 7:38 pm

Yesterday I was told they are planning to change my weekly Velcade from IV to subcutaneous. I asked the nurses what feedback they had from other patients and they don't have anyone else on it at present. I know having a new luer each week is a hassle especially when it frequently takes more than one go and can be hard on veins.

Have others had Velcade subcutaneous? My concern is muscle damage as it is weekly and 2.9mls, which I feel is a larger subcutaneous dose and my muscles are fading fast at present!

Little worried about the pain as well!

Would love some feedback!

[goldmine848]

Re: Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by goldmine848 on Mon May 26, 2014 7:44 pm

Subcutaneous is used because there is less risk of peripheral neuropathy. It is generally done in the belly area so there is no muscle involvement. It can sting a bit but it's not terrible. Some get an injection site rash that can last for a week or less.

[KimT]

Re: Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by KimT on Mon May 26, 2014 7:46 pm

I've been on Velcade Sub-Q for 9 months. Other than some bruising on my stomach, which goes away in a week or two, I haven't had any problems.

[coop223]

Re: Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by coop223 on Mon May 26, 2014 10:07 pm

My doctor lets me give myself the Velcade shot. I mix it, measure it, give myself the shot. No big deal. My doctor lets me do it as hospitals charge me $250 out of pocket. I can get a 90 day supply for 95 dollars through my insurance and do it myself. Saves me $1400.

[marvin]

Re: Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by marvin on Tue May 27, 2014 9:11 am

I have been getting Velcade once a week, 3 weeks on and one week off per month, for a year and a half -- all sub q. Other than a rash at the spot of injection, I've had no problems.

[Karen]

Re: Velcade - subcutaneous vs. IV

by Karen on Wed May 28, 2014 12:26 pm

I've had pretty much the same experiences as the others. In my first round of treatment I got the Velcade via IV injection. It was fine although getting the IV in did become a bit more challenging as the weeks went on. I have been getting the sub-q Velcade since last December. I usually get a small red rash at the site of the injection which is sometimes a bit sore as well. This usually fades within a week. The nurses alternate where on my abdomen they inject so the same spot isn't irritated every time.

A couple of weeks ago I did have a more extreme reaction than usual - no one could tell me why. The site got really red, itchy and sore. A nurse advised putting hydrocortisone and aloe on it and it did finally clear up. Otherwise, I usually put Eucerin cream on the area a couple of times a day, which helps with the itchiness.

I do feel some burning as the shot is going in, but it's over fast.

I can't really comment on the difference in neuropathy, since I had some in my toes when I got it via IV the first time, and I think I'm having about the same reaction this time. Nothing too severe, just some numbness and feeling as though my toes are "asleep," but it's not uncomfortable and isn't interfering with walking, sleep, etc.

Overall I guess I'd vote for the sub-q injection, as having an IV put in each time is a bit more of an ordeal, especially if you've been having a fair amount of treatment and your veins are starting to rebel.