VELCADE SIDE EFFECTS

Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Velcade

If you take Velcade, your health care provider will give it to you as an injection. Velcade may be a particularly good first choice of myeloma therapy if you have kidney problems, which are a common complication in patients with multiple myeloma, Redei says. Your body doesn't get rid of the drug through the kidneys, nor does the drug affect the functioning of your kidneys.

However, a common side effect of Velcade is peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to your nerves. This may cause pain, tingling, numbness, and possibly weakness in your hands and feet, Redei says. Your doctor may need to reduce your dosage if this side effect becomes too severe.

In addition, if you lose sensation in your feet or hands from this myeloma therapy, it's wise to take the following precautions:
Check your feet regularly for blisters, cuts, and other small injuries that you might not be able to feel.
Get the right shoes. Help protect your feet by wearing properly fitting shoes instead of going barefoot.
Enlist help. For example, have someone else feel your bath or shower water before you get in to ensure that it's not too hot.
Injury-proof your home. Ensure that your home is free from clutter and other obstacles that could cause you to trip; have secure handrails at stairs, and keep your home well-lit. People with peripheral neuropathy may be prone to falling, and people with multiple myeloma are at higher risk of broken bones.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-myeloma/velcade-treatment.aspx