Compare Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Velcade (bortezomib) and bexarotene (Targretin) are both used to treat different types of cancer but work in distinct ways and have different uses. Velcade is an injectable medication used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, whereas bexarotene is taken orally to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, particularly when other treatments have failed. Diarrhea, nausea, and numbness or tingling of hands or feet are common side effects of Velcade, while nerve, heart, and lung problems are possible, but rare. Common side effects of bexarotene are high fat and cholesterol levels, underactive thyroid, and weakness. Liver problems and inflammation of the pancreas are also possible. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and have lower-cost generic forms available.
- Velcade (bortezomib)Bexarotene (Targretin)
- Velcade (bortezomib)Bexarotene (Targretin)
Summary of Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Summary for AnticancerPrescription onlyVelcade (bortezomib) is a recommended anticancer treatment option for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma in adults. It's given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenous, IV) by a healthcare provider. But, it can cause new or worsening numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, which can be bothersome.
Summary for RetinoidPrescription onlyBexarotene (Targretin) is an oral retinoid medication used to treat a rare skin cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in adults. It’s a type of chemotherapy, usually prescribed when other treatments have stopped working. You take the dose once a day with food, and you’ll need regular blood tests to check for side effects. Common side effects include headache, feeling very tired or low on energy, and high cholesterol levels in the blood.
Indications of Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Indications for•Multiple myeloma in adults•Mantle cell lymphoma in adultsIndications for•Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), after at least one other treatment has stopped workingPros and Cons of Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Pros and Const for AnticancerPros•Recommended treatment option for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, in combination with other anticancer medications•Can be given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or through a vein (IV), depending on preference•Short injection times (seconds to minutes)Cons•Requires frequent visits to the clinic or infusion center to receive your dose•Can cause nerve problems•Not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeedingPros and Const for RetinoidPros•Pills taken by mouth once a day•Recommended option when previous treatment no longer work•Can be used alone or with other treatmentsCons•Typically requires taking multiple capsules for each daily dose•Commonly causes higher cholesterol levels in the blood•Not safe during pregnancyCommon Side Effects of Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Common Side Effects for•Diarrhea (up to 52%)•Nausea (up to 52%)•Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet (up to 50%)•Fatigue (up to 41%)•Nerve pain (up to 34%)•Constipation (up to 30%)•Vomiting (up to 29%)•Lessened or lack of appetite (up to 21%)•Fever (up to 21%)^*Some side effects listed above might not be from Velcade (bortezomib) alone, since some studies included people taking Velcade (bortezomib) with other anticancer medications.^
^**Less nerve problems seen when injected under the skin versus IV.^
Common Side Effects for•Higher levels of fat or cholesterol in the blood (up to 79%)•Headache (37%)•Lower thyroid hormone level (29%)•Feeling weak or tired (up to 20%)Warnings of Velcade vs. Bexarotene
Common Side Effects for•Nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy)•Heart problems•Lung problems•Swelling and narrowing of the blood vessels in your brain•Low blood cell counts•High uric acid and electrolyte imbalances•Liver damage•Blood clots in small blood vessels (thrombotic microangiopathy)•Harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Harm to unborn baby•High cholesterol and triglycerides (fat) in the blood•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Liver problems•Low thyroid hormone levels•Low white blood cell count•Cataracts•Low blood sugar in people with diabetes•Sensitivity to the sunPrices with our coupons for Velcade vs. Bexarotene
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