Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Bexarotene

(Targretin)

Get free coupons

Summary for Velcade

Prescription only

Velcade (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.

Indications for Velcade

  • Multiple myeloma in adults
  • Mantle cell lymphoma in adults

Pros and Cons for Velcade

Pros

  • 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 breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Velcade

  • 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.

Warnings for Velcade

  • 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 baby

Summary for Bexarotene

Prescription only

Bexarotene (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 for Bexarotene

Pros and Cons for Bexarotene

Pros

  • Pills taken by mouth once a day
  • Recommended option when previous treatment no longer work
  • Can be used alone or with other treatments

Cons

  • Typically requires taking multiple capsules for each daily dose
  • Commonly causes higher cholesterol levels in the blood
  • Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Bexarotene

  • 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 for Bexarotene

  • 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 sun

Prices with our coupons for Velcade vs. Bexarotene

Price Card Drug Icon
Bortezomib3 vials / 3.5mg of
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Bexarotene60 capsules / 75mg of
$399.30$8,678.34
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma drugs

Velcade vs. Bexarotene

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.