Bortezomib Hospira

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 1 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 2.5 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 3 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 3.5 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

After reconstitution, 1 ml of solution for subcutaneous injection contains 2.5 mg bortezomib.

After reconstitution, 1 ml of solution for intravenous injection contains 1 mg bortezomib.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for solution for injection.

White to off-white cake or powder.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Bortezomib Hospira as monotherapy or in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or
dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive multiple myeloma who
have received at least 1 prior therapy and who have already undergone or are unsuitable for
haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.



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Bortezomib Hospira in combination with melphalan and prednisone is indicated for the treatment of adult
patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy
with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Bortezomib Hospira in combination with dexamethasone, or with dexamethasone and thalidomide, is 
indicated for the induction treatment of adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who 
are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Bortezomib Hospira in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone is 
indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma who are 
unsuitable for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Bortezomib Hospira treatment must be initiated under supervision of a physician experienced in the 
treatment of cancer patients, however Bortezomib Hospira may be administered by a healthcare 
professional experienced in use of chemotherapeutic agents. Bortezomib Hospira must be reconstituted by 
a healthcare professional (see section 6.6).

Posology for treatment of progressive multiple myeloma (patients who have received at least one prior
therapy)
Monotherapy
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in a 21 -day treatment 
cycle. This 3-week period is considered a treatment cycle. It is recommended that patients receive 2 cycles 
of Bortezomib Hospira following a confirmation of a complete response. It is also recommended that 
responding patients who do not achieve a complete remission receive a total of 8 cycles of Bortezomib 
Hospira therapy. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.

Dose adjustments during treatment and re-initiation of treatment for monotherapy
Bortezomib Hospira treatment must be withheld at the onset of any Grade 3 non-haematological or any
Grade 4 haematological toxicities, excluding neuropathy as discussed below (see also section 4.4). Once 
the symptoms of the toxicity have resolved, Bortezomib Hospira treatment may be re-initiated at a 25% 
reduced dose (1.3 mg/m2 reduced to 1.0 mg/m2, 1.0 mg/m2 reduced to 0.7 mg/m2). If the toxicity is not 
resolved or if it recurs at the lowest dose, discontinuation of Bortezomib Hospira must be considered
unless the benefit of treatment clearly outweighs the risk.

Neuropathic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy
Patients who experience bortezomib-related neuropathic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy are to be
managed as presented in Table 1 (see section 4.4). Patients with pre-existing severe neuropathy may be 
treated with Bortezomib Hospira only after careful risk/benefit assessment.



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Table 1: Recommended* posology modifications for bortezomib-related neuropathy
Severity of neuropathy Posology modification
Grade 1 (asymptomatic; loss of deep tendon 
reflexes or paraesthesia) with no pain or loss of 
function

None

Grade 1 with pain or Grade 2 (moderate 
symptoms; limiting instrumental Activities of 
Daily Living (ADL)**)

Reduce Bortezomib Hospira to 1.0 mg/m2

or
Change Bortezomib Hospira treatment schedule to 
1.3 mg/m2 once per week

Grade 2 with pain or Grade 3 (severe 
symptoms; limiting self care ADL***) 

Withhold Bortezomib Hospira treatment until 
symptoms of toxicity have resolved. When toxicity
resolves re-initiate Bortezomib Hospira treatment and 
reduce dose to 0.7 mg/m2 once per week.

Grade 4 (life-threatening consequences; urgent 
intervention indicated) and/or severe autonomic 
neuropathy

Discontinue Bortezomib Hospira

* Based on posology modifications in Phase II and III multiple myeloma studies and post-marketing experience. 
Grading based on NCI Common Toxicity Criteria CTCAE v 4.0.

** Instrumental ADL: refers to preparing meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using telephone, managing 
money, etc;

*** Self care ADL: refers to bathing, dressing and undressing, feeding self, using the toilet, taking medicinal 
products, and not bedridden.

Combination therapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in a 21-day treatment 
cycle. This 3-week period is considered a treatment cycle. At least 72 hours should elapse between 
consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is administered at 30 mg/m² on day 4 of the Bortezomib Hospira 
treatment cycle as a 1 hour intravenous infusion administered after the Bortezomib Hospira injection.
Up to 8 cycles of this combination therapy can be administered as long as patients have not progressed
and tolerate treatment. Patients achieving a complete response can continue treatment for at least 2 cycles 
after the first evidence of complete response, even if this requires treatment for more than 8 cycles. 
Patients whose levels of paraprotein continue to decrease after 8 cycles can also continue for as long as 
treatment is tolerated and they continue to respond.
For additional information concerning pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, see the corresponding Summary 
of Product Characteristics.

Combination with dexamethasone
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in a 21 day treatment 
cycle. This 3-week period is considered a treatment cycle. At least 72 hours should elapse between 
consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.
Dexamethasone is administered orally at 20 mg on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12 of the Bortezomib 
Hospira treatment cycle.
Patients achieving a response or a stable disease after 4 cycles of this combination therapy can continue to 
receive the same combination for a maximum of 4 additional cycles.
For additional information concerning dexamethasone, see the corresponding Summary of Product
Characteristics.



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Dose adjustments for combination therapy for patients with progressive multiple myeloma
For Bortezomib Hospira dosage adjustments for combination therapy follow dose modification guidelines
described under monotherapy above.

Posology for previously untreated multiple myeloma patients not eligible for haematopoietic stem cell
transplantation
Combination therapy with melphalan and prednisone
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection in combination with oral 
melphalan and oral prednisone as shown in Table 2. A 6-week period is considered a treatment cycle. In 
Cycles 1-4, Bortezomib Hospira is administered twice weekly on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32. In 
Cycles 5-9, Bortezomib Hospira is administered once weekly on days 1, 8, 22 and 29. At least 72 hours 
should elapse between consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.
Melphalan and prednisone should both be given orally on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the first week of each
Bortezomib Hospira treatment cycle.
Nine treatment cycles of this combination therapy are administered.

Table 2: Recommended posology for Bortezomib Hospira in combination with melphalan and prednisone 
Twice weekly Bortezomib Hospira (cycles 1-4)

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6
B
(1.3 mg/m2) 

Day 
1

-- -- Day 
4

Day 
8

Day 
11

rest 
period

Day 
22

Day 
25

Day 
29

Day 
32

rest 
period

M 
(9 mg/m2) 
P 
(60 mg/m2)

Day 
1

Day 
2

Day 
3

Day 
4

-- -- rest 
period

-- -- -- -- rest 
period

Once weekly Bortezomib Hospira (cycles 5-9)
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6
B
(1.3 mg/m2)

Day 
1

-- -- -- Day 8 rest 
period

Day 22 Day 
29

rest 
period

M 
(9 mg/m2) 
P 
(60 mg/m2)

Day 
1

Day 
2

Day 
3

Day 
4

-- rest 
period

-- -- rest 
period

B= bortezomib M=melphalan, P=prednisone

Dose adjustments during treatment and re-initiation of treatment for combination therapy with melphalan 
and prednisone
Prior to initiating a new cycle of therapy:
 Platelet counts should be ≥ 70 x 109/l and the absolute neutrophils count should be ≥ 1.0 x 109/l
 Non-haematological toxicities should have resolved to Grade 1 or baseline

Table 3: Posology modifications during subsequent cycles of Bortezomib Hospira therapy in combination
with melphalan and prednisone

Toxicity Posology modification or delay
Haematological toxicity during a cycle 

 If prolonged Grade 4 neutropenia or 
thrombocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia with 
bleeding is observed in the previous cycle

Consider reduction of the melphalan dose by 25% in 
the next cycle. 

 If platelet counts ≤ 30 x 109/l or ANC ≤ 0.75 x Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld 



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Toxicity Posology modification or delay
109/l on a Bortezomib Hospira dosing day (other 
than day 1)
 If several Bortezomib Hospira doses in a cycle 
are withheld (≥ 3 doses during twice weekly 
administration or ≥ 2 doses during weekly 
administration) 

Bortezomib Hospira dose should be reduced by 1 dose 
level (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 
0.7 mg/m2) 

Grade ≥ 3 non-haematological toxicities Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld until 
symptoms of the toxicity have resolved to Grade 1 or 
baseline. Then, Bortezomib Hospira may be 
reinitiated with one dose level reduction (from 
1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 
0.7 mg/m2). For bortezomib-related neuropathic pain 
and/or peripheral neuropathy, hold and/or modify 
Bortezomib Hospira as outlined in Table 1. 

For additional information concerning melphalan and prednisone, see the corresponding Summary of
Product Characteristics.

Posology for previously untreated multiple myeloma patients eligible for haematopoietic stem cell
transplantation (induction therapy)
Combination therapy with dexamethasone
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in a 21-day treatment 
cycle. This 3-week period is considered a treatment cycle. At least 72 hours should elapse between 
consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.
Dexamethasone is administered orally at 40 mg on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Bortezomib 
Hospira treatment cycle.
Four treatment cycles of this combination therapy are administered.

Combination therapy with dexamethasone and thalidomide
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in a 28-day treatment 
cycle. This 4-week period is considered a treatment cycle. At least 72 hours should elapse between 
consecutive doses of Bortezomib Hospira.
Dexamethasone is administered orally at 40 mg on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Bortezomib 
Hospira treatment cycle.
Thalidomide is administered orally at 50 mg daily on days 1-14 and if tolerated the dose is increased to 
100 mg on days 15-28, and thereafter may be further increased to 200 mg daily from cycle 2 (see Table 4).
Four treatment cycles of this combination are administered. It is recommended that patients with at least 
partial response receive 2 additional cycles.



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Table 4: Posology for Bortezomib Hospira combination therapy for patients with previously untreated
multiple myeloma eligible for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
B+Dx Cycles 1 to 4

Week 1 2 3 
B (1.3 mg/m2) Day 1, 4 Day 8, 11 Rest Period 
Dx 40 mg Day 1, 2, 3, 4 Day 8, 9, 10, 11 -

B+Dx+T Cycle 1
Week 1 2 3 4 
B (1.3 mg/m2) Day 1, 4 Day 8, 11 Rest Period Rest Period 
T 50 mg Daily Daily - -
T 100 mga - - Daily Daily 
Dx 40 mg Day 1, 2, 3, 4 Day 8, 9, 10, 11 - -

Cycles 2 to 4b

B (1.3 mg/m2) Day 1, 4 Day 8, 11 Rest Period Rest Period 
T 200 mga Daily Daily Daily Daily 
Dx 40 mg Day 1, 2, 3, 4 Day 8, 9, 10, 11 - -

B=bortezomib; Dx=dexamethasone; T=thalidomide
a Thalidomide dose is increased to 100 mg from week 3 of Cycle 1 only if 50 mg is tolerated and to 200 mg 

from cycle 2 onwards if 100 mg is tolerated.
b Up to 6 cycles may be given to patients who achieve at least a partial response after 4 cycles

Dosage adjustments for transplant eligible patients
For Bortezomib Hospira dosage adjustments, dose modification guidelines described for monotherapy 
should be followed.
In addition, when Bortezomib Hospira is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic medicinal
products, appropriate dose reductions for these products should be considered in the event of toxicities
according to the recommendations in the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Posology for patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Combination therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (BR-CAP)
Bortezomib Hospira is administered via intravenous or subcutaneous injection at the recommended dose 
of 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice weekly for two weeks on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, followed by a 10-day 
rest period on days 12-21. This 3-week period is considered a treatment cycle. Six Bortezomib Hospira
cycles are recommended, although for patients with a response first documented at cycle 6, two additional 
Bortezomib Hospira cycles may be given. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of 
Bortezomib Hospira.

The following medicinal products are administered on day 1 of each Bortezomib Hospira 3 week 
treatment cycle as intravenous infusions: rituximab at 375 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide at 750 mg/m2 and 
doxorubicin at 50 mg/m2.
Prednisone is administered orally at 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of each Bortezomib Hospira
treatment cycle.

Dose adjustments during treatment for patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma
Prior to initiating a new cycle of therapy:
 Platelet counts should be ≥ 100,000 cells/μL and the absolute neutrophils count (ANC) should be 

≥ 1,500 cells/μL
 Platelet counts should be ≥ 75,000 cells/μL in patients with bone marrow infiltration or splenic 

sequestration
 Haemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL
 Non-haematological toxicities should have resolved to Grade 1 or baseline.



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Bortezomib Hospira treatment must be withheld at the onset of any ≥ Grade 3 bortezomib-related 
non-haematological toxicities (excluding neuropathy) or ≥ Grade 3 haematological toxicities (see also 
section 4.4). For dose adjustments, see Table 5 below.
Granulocyte colony stimulating factors may be administered for haematologic toxicity according to local 
standard practice. Prophylactic use of granulocyte colony stimulating factors should be considered in case 
of repeated delays in cycle administration. Platelet transfusion for the treatment of thrombocytopenia 
should be considered when clinically appropriate.

Table 5: Dose adjustments during treatment for patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma

Toxicity Posology modification or delay

Haematological toxicity

• ≥ Grade 3 neutropenia with fever, Grade 4 
neutropenia lasting more than 7 days, a platelet 
count < 10,000 cells/μL

Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld for up 
to 2 weeks until the patient has an ANC ≥ 750 cells/μL 
and a platelet count ≥ 25,000 cells/μL.
• If, after Bortezomib Hospira has been held, the
toxicity does not resolve, as defined above, then 
Bortezomib Hospira must be discontinued.
• If toxicity resolves i.e. patient has an 
ANC ≥ 750cells/μL and a platelet count 
≥ 25,000 cells/μL, Bortezomib Hospira may be 
reinitiated at a dose reduced by one dose level (from 
1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2).

• If platelet counts < 25,000 cells/μL or ANC
< 750 cells/μL on a Bortezomib Hospira dosing 
day (other than Day 1 of each cycle)

Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld

Grade ≥ 3 non-haematological toxicities 
considered to be related to Bortezomib Hospira

Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld until 
symptoms of the toxicity have resolved to Grade 2 or 
better. Then, Bortezomib Hospira may be reinitiated at a 
dose reduced by one dose level (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 
1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2). For 
bortezomib-related neuropathic pain and/or peripheral 
neuropathy, hold and/or modify Bortezomib Hospira as 
outlined in Table 1.

In addition, when Bortezomib Hospira is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic medicinal 
products, appropriate dose reductions for these medicinal products should be considered in the event of 
toxicities, according to the recommendations in the respective Summary of Product Characteristics.

Special populations

Elderly
There is no evidence to suggest that dose adjustments are necessary in patients over 65 years of age with 
multiple myeloma or with mantle cell lymphoma.
There are no studies on the use of bortezomib in elderly patients with previously untreated multiple
myeloma who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Therefore no dose recommendations can be made in this population.
In a study in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma patients, 42.9% and 10.4% of patients exposed to 
bortezomib were in the range 65-74 years and ≥ 75 years of age, respectively. In patients aged ≥ 75 years, 
both regimens, BR-CAP as well as R-CHOP, were less tolerated (see section 4.8).



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Hepatic impairment
Patients with mild hepatic impairment do not require a dose adjustment and should be treated per the
recommended dose. Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment should be started on Bortezomib 
Hospira at a reduced dose of 0.7 mg/m2 per injection during the first treatment cycle, and a subsequent 
dose escalation to 1.0 mg/m2 or further dose reduction to 0.5 mg/m2 may be considered based on patient 
tolerability (see Table 6 and sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Table 6: Recommended starting dose modification for Bortezomib Hospira in patients with hepatic 
impairment

Grade of hepatic
impairment* 

Bilirubin level 
SGOT (AST) 

levels 
Modification of starting dose 

Mild 
≤ 1.0 x ULN > ULN None

> 1.0 x -1.5 x ULN Any None

Moderate > 1.5 x -3 x ULN Any Reduce Bortezomib Hospira to 0.7 mg/m2 in 
the first treatment cycle. Consider dose 
escalation to 1.0 mg/m2 or further dose 
reduction to 0.5 mg/m2 in subsequent cycles 
based on patient tolerability.

Severe > 3 x ULN Any 

Abbreviations: SGOT=serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase;
AST=aspartate aminotransferase; ULN=upper limit of the normal range.
* Based on NCI Organ Dysfunction Working Group classification for categorising hepatic impairment (mild, 

moderate, severe).

Renal impairment
The pharmacokinetics of bortezomib are not influenced in patients with mild to moderate renal
impairment (Creatinine Clearance [CrCL] > 20 ml/min/1.73 m2); therefore, dose adjustments are not 
necessary for these patients. It is unknown if the pharmacokinetics of bortezomib are influenced in
patients with severe renal impairment not undergoing dialysis (CrCL < 20 ml/min/1.73 m2). Since dialysis 
may reduce bortezomib concentrations, Bortezomib Hospira should be administered after the dialysis
procedure (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of bortezomib in children below 18 years of age have not been established (see 
sections 5.1 and 5.2). Currently available data are described in section 5.1 but no recommendation on a 
posology can be made.

Method of administration

Bortezomib Hospira is available for intravenous or subcutaneous administration.

Bortezomib Hospira should not be given by other routes. Intrathecal administration has resulted in death.

Intravenous injection
Bortezomib Hospira reconstituted solution is administered as a 3-5 second bolus intravenous injection
through a peripheral or central intravenous catheter followed by a flush with sodium chloride 9 mg/ml
(0.9%) solution for injection. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of Bortezomib 
Hospira.



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Subcutaneous injection
Bortezomib Hospira reconstituted solution is administered subcutaneously through the thighs (right or
left) or abdomen (right or left). The solution should be injected subcutaneously, at a 45-90° angle.
Injection sites should be rotated for successive injections.

If local injection site reactions occur following Bortezomib Hospira subcutaneous injection, either a less
concentrated Bortezomib Hospira solution (Bortezomib Hospira to be reconstituted to 1 mg/ml instead of
2.5 mg/ml) may be administered subcutaneously or a switch to intravenous injection is recommended.

When Bortezomib Hospira is given in combination with other medicinal products, refer to the Summary 
of Product Characteristics of these products for instructions for administration.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to boron or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary and pericardial disease.

When Bortezomib Hospira is given in combination with other medicinal products, refer to their 
Summaries of Product Characteristics for additional contraindications.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

When Bortezomib Hospira is given in combination with other medicinal products, the Summary of 
Product Characteristics of these other medicinal products must be consulted prior to initiation of treatment 
with Bortezomib Hospira. When thalidomide is used, particular attention to pregnancy testing and 
prevention requirements is needed (see section 4.6).

Intrathecal administration
There have been fatal cases of inadvertent intrathecal administration of bortezomib. Bortezomib Hospira 
is for intravenous or subcutaneous use. Bortezomib Hospira should not be administered intrathecally.

Gastrointestinal toxicity
Gastrointestinal toxicity, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation are very common with 
bortezomib treatment. Cases of ileus have been uncommonly reported (see section 4.8). Therefore, 
patients who experience constipation should be closely monitored.

Haematological toxicity
Bortezomib treatment is very commonly associated with haematological toxicities (thrombocytopenia, 
neutropenia and anaemia). In studies in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib 
and in patients with previously untreated MCL treated with bortezomib in combination with rituximab, 
cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (BR-CAP), one of the most common haematologic
toxicity was transient thrombocytopenia. Platelets were lowest at Day 11 of each cycle of bortezomib 
treatment and typically recovered to baseline by the next cycle. There was no evidence of cumulative 
thrombocytopenia. The mean platelet count nadir measured was approximately 40% of baseline in the 
single-agent multiple myeloma studies and 50% in the MCL study. In patients with advanced myeloma 
the severity of thrombocytopenia was related to pre-treatment platelet count: for baseline platelet counts
< 75,000/μl, 90% of 21 patients had a count ≤ 25,000/μl during the study, including 14% < 10,000/μl; in 
contrast, with a baseline platelet count > 75,000/μl, only 14% of 309 patients had a count ≤ 25,000/μl 
during the study.



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In patients with MCL (study LYM-3002), there was a higher incidence (56.7% versus 5.8%) of Grade ≥ 3 
thrombocytopenia in the bortezomib treatment group (BR-CAP) as compared to the non-bortezomib 
treatment group (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP]). The 
two treatment groups were similar with regard to the overall incidence of all-grade bleeding events (6.3% 
in the BR-CAP group and 5.0% in the R-CHOP group) as well as Grade 3 and higher bleeding events 
(BR-CAP: 4 patients [1.7%]; R-CHOP: 3 patients [1.2%]). In the BR-CAP group, 22.5% of patients 
received platelet transfusions compared to 2.9% of patients in the R-CHOP group.

Gastrointestinal and intracerebral haemorrhage, have been reported in association with bortezomib 
treatment. Therefore, platelet counts should be monitored prior to each dose of Bortezomib Hospira. 
Bortezomib Hospira therapy should be withheld when the platelet count is < 25,000/μl or, in the case of 
combination with melphalan and prednisone, when the platelet count is ≤ 30,000/μl (see section 4.2). 
Potential benefit of the treatment should be carefully weighed against the risks, particularly in case of 
moderate to severe thrombocytopenia and risk factors for bleeding.

Complete blood counts (CBC) with differential and including platelet counts should be frequently 
monitored throughout treatment with Bortezomib Hospira. Platelet transfusion should be considered when 
clinically appropriate (see section 4.2).

In patients with MCL, transient neutropenia that was reversible between cycles was observed, with no 
evidence of cumulative neutropenia. Neutrophils were lowest at Day 11 of each cycle of bortezomib 
treatment and typically recovered to baseline by the next cycle. In study LYM-3002, colony stimulating 
factor support was given to 78% of patients in the BR-CAP arm and 61% of patients in the R-CHOP arm. 
Since patients with neutropenia are at increased risk of infections, they should be monitored for signs and 
symptoms of infection and treated promptly. Granulocyte colony stimulating factors may be administered 
for haematologic toxicity according to local standard practice. Prophylactic use of granulocyte colony 
stimulating factors should be considered in case of repeated delays in cycle administration (see section 
4.2).

Herpes zoster virus reactivation
Antiviral prophylaxis is recommended in patients being treated with Bortezomib Hospira. 
In the Phase III study in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma, the overall incidence of 
herpes zoster reactivation was more common in patients treated with bortezomib+melphalan+prednisone 
compared with melphalan+prednisone (14% versus 4% respectively).

In patients with MCL (study LYM-3002), the incidence of herpes zoster infection was 6.7% in the 
BR-CAP arm and 1.2% in the R-CHOP arm (see section 4.8).

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation and infection
When rituximab is used in combination with Bortezomib Hospira, HBV screening must always be 
performed in patients at risk of infection with HBV before initiation of treatment. Carriers of hepatitis B 
and patients with a history of hepatitis B must be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory signs of 
active HBV infection during and following rituximab combination treatment with Bortezomib Hospira. 
Antiviral prophylaxis should be considered. Refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of rituximab 
for more information.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Very rare cases with unknown causality of John Cunningham (JC) virus infection, resulting in PML and 
death, have been reported in patients treated with bortezomib. Patients diagnosed with PML had prior or 
concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. Most cases of PML were diagnosed within 12 months of their 
first dose of bortezomib. Patients should be monitored at regular intervals for any new or worsening 
neurological symptoms or signs that may be suggestive of PML as part of the differential diagnosis of 



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CNS problems. If a diagnosis of PML is suspected, patients should be referred to a specialist in PML and 
appropriate diagnostic measures for PML should be initiated. Discontinue Bortezomib Hospira if PML is 
diagnosed.

Peripheral neuropathy
Treatment with bortezomib is very commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, which is
predominantly sensory. However, cases of severe motor neuropathy with or without sensory peripheral
neuropathy have been reported. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy increases early in the treatment 
and has been observed to peak during cycle 5.

It is recommended that patients be carefully monitored for symptoms of neuropathy such as a burning
sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paraesthesia, discomfort, neuropathic pain or weakness.

In the Phase III study comparing bortezomib administered intravenously versus subcutaneously, the
incidence of Grade ≥ 2 peripheral neuropathy events was 24% for the subcutaneous injection group and 
41% for the intravenous injection group (p=0.0124). Grade ≥ 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 6% of 
patients in the subcutaneous treatment group, compared with 16% in the intravenous treatment group 
(p=0.0264). The incidence of all grade peripheral neuropathy with bortezomib administered intravenously 
was lower in the historical studies with bortezomib administered intravenously than in study MMY-3021.

Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy should undergo neurological evaluation
and may require a change in the dose, schedule or route of administration to subcutaneous (see section
4.2). Neuropathy has been managed with supportive care and other therapies.

Early and regular monitoring for symptoms of treatment-emergent neuropathy with neurological
evaluation should be considered in patients receiving Bortezomib Hospira in combination with medicinal
products known to be associated with neuropathy (e.g. thalidomide) and appropriate dose reduction or
treatment discontinuation should be considered.

In addition to peripheral neuropathy, there may be a contribution of autonomic neuropathy to some
adverse reactions such as postural hypotension and severe constipation with ileus. Information on
autonomic neuropathy and its contribution to these undesirable effects is limited.

Seizures
Seizures have been uncommonly reported in patients without previous history of seizures or epilepsy.
Special care is required when treating patients with any risk factors for seizures.

Hypotension
Bortezomib treatment is commonly associated with orthostatic/postural hypotension. Most adverse
reactions are mild to moderate in nature and are observed throughout treatment. Patients who developed 
orthostatic hypotension on bortezomib (injected intravenously) did not have evidence of orthostatic 
hypotension prior to treatment with bortezomib. Most patients required treatment for their orthostatic 
hypotension. A minority of patients with orthostatic hypotension experienced syncopal events. 
Orthostatic/postural hypotension was not acutely related to bolus infusion of bortezomib. The mechanism 
of this event is unknown although a component may be due to autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic 
neuropathy may be related to bortezomib or bortezomib may aggravate an underlying condition such as 
diabetic or amyloidotic neuropathy. Caution is advised when treating patients with a history of syncope 
receiving medicinal products known to be associated with hypotension; or who are dehydrated due to 
recurrent diarrhoea or vomiting. Management of orthostatic/postural hypotension may include adjustment 
of antihypertensive medicinal products, rehydration or administration of mineralocorticosteroids and/or 
sympathomimetics. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of 
dizziness, light-headedness or fainting spells.



13

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving bortezomib. PRES is a rare, often reversible,
rapidly evolving neurological condition, which can present with seizure, hypertension, headache, lethargy, 
confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances. Brain imaging, preferably Magnetic 
Resonance Imaging (MRI), is used to confirm the diagnosis. In patients developing PRES, Bortezomib 
Hospira should be discontinued.

Heart failure
Acute development or exacerbation of congestive heart failure, and/or new onset of decreased left
ventricular ejection fraction has been reported during bortezomib treatment. Fluid retention may be a
predisposing factor for signs and symptoms of heart failure. Patients with risk factors for or existing heart 
disease should be closely monitored.

Electrocardiogram investigations
There have been isolated cases of QT-interval prolongation in clinical studies, causality has not been
established.

Pulmonary disorders
There have been rare reports of acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease of unknown aetiology such as 
pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia, lung infiltration, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 
patients receiving bortezomib (see section 4.8). Some of these events have been fatal. A pre-treatment 
chest radiograph is recommended to serve as a baseline for potential post-treatment pulmonary changes.

In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnoea), a prompt diagnostic 
evaluation should be performed and patients treated appropriately. The benefit/risk ratio should be
considered prior to continuing Bortezomib Hospira therapy.

In a clinical trial, two patients (out of 2) given high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m2 per day) by continuous 
infusion over 24 hours with daunorubicin and bortezomib for relapsed acute myelogenous leukaemia died 
of ARDS early in the course of therapy, and the study was terminated. Therefore, this specific regimen 
with concomitant administration with high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m2 per day) by continuous infusion over 
24 hours is not recommended.

Renal impairment
Renal complications are frequent in patients with multiple myeloma. Patients with renal impairment 
should be monitored closely (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Hepatic impairment
Bortezomib is metabolised by liver enzymes. Bortezomib exposure is increased in patients with moderate 
or severe hepatic impairment; these patients should be treated with Bortezomib Hospira at reduced doses 
and closely monitored for toxicities (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Hepatic reactions
Rare cases of hepatic failure have been reported in patients receiving bortezomib and concomitant 
medicinal products and with serious underlying medical conditions. Other reported hepatic reactions
include increases in liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinaemia, and hepatitis. Such changes may be reversible 
upon discontinuation of bortezomib (see section 4.8).

Tumour lysis syndrome
Because bortezomib is a cytotoxic agent and can rapidly kill malignant plasma cells, the complications of 
tumour lysis syndrome may occur. The patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome are those with high



14

tumour burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions 
taken.

Concomitant medicinal products
Patients should be closely monitored when given Bortezomib Hospira in combination with potent 
CYP3A4-inhibitors. Caution should be exercised when Bortezomib Hospira is combined with CYP3A4-
or CYP2C19 substrates (see section 4.5).

Normal liver function should be confirmed and caution should be exercised in patients receiving oral
hypoglycaemics (see section 4.5).

Potentially immunocomplex-mediated reactions
Potentially immunocomplex-mediated reactions, such as serum-sickness-type reaction, polyarthritis with 
rash and proliferative glomerulonephritis have been reported uncommonly. Bortezomib Hospira should be
discontinued if serious reactions occur.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

In vitro studies indicate that bortezomib is a weak inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes 1A2, 
2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4. Based on the limited contribution (7%) of CYP2D6 to the metabolism of 
bortezomib, the CYP2D6 poor metaboliser phenotype is not expected to affect the overall disposition of 
bortezomib.

A drug-drug interaction study assessing the effect of ketoconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the
pharmacokinetics of bortezomib (injected intravenously), showed a mean bortezomib AUC increase of
35% (CI90% [1.032 to 1.772]) based on data from 12 patients. Therefore, patients should be closely
monitored when given bortezomib in combination with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole,
ritonavir).

In a drug-drug interaction study assessing the effect of omeprazole, a potent CYP2C19 inhibitor, on the 
pharmacokinetics of bortezomib (injected intravenously), there was no significant effect on the
pharmacokinetics of bortezomib based on data from 17 patients.

A drug-drug interaction study assessing the effect of rifampicin, a potent CYP3A4 inducer, on the 
pharmacokinetics of bortezomib (injected intravenously), showed a mean bortezomib AUC reduction of 
45% based on data from 6 patients. Therefore, the concomitant use of bortezomib with strong CYP3A4 
inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and St. John’s Wort) is not 
recommended, as efficacy may be reduced.

In the same drug-drug interaction study assessing the effect of dexamethasone, a weaker CYP3A4
inducer, on the pharmacokinetics of bortezomib (injected intravenously), there was no significant effect on 
the pharmacokinetics of bortezomib based on data from 7 patients.

A drug-drug interaction study assessing the effect of melphalan-prednisone on the pharmacokinetics of
bortezomib (injected intravenously), showed a mean bortezomib AUC increase of 17% based on data from 
21 patients. This is not considered clinically relevant.

During clinical trials, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia were uncommonly and commonly reported in 
diabetic patients receiving oral hypoglycaemics. Patients on oral antidiabetic agents receiving Bortezomib 
Hospira treatment may require close monitoring of their blood glucose levels and adjustment of the dose 
of their antidiabetics.



15

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Contraception in males and females
Female patients of childbearing potential and male patients must use effective contraceptive measures 
during and for 3 months following treatment.

Pregnancy
No clinical data are available for bortezomib with regard to exposure during pregnancy. The teratogenic 
potential of bortezomib has not been fully investigated.

In non-clinical studies, bortezomib had no effects on embryonal/foetal development in rats and rabbits at 
the highest maternally tolerated doses. Animal studies to determine the effects of bortezomib on 
parturition and post-natal development were not conducted (see section 5.3). Bortezomib Hospira should 
not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with 
Bortezomib Hospira.
If Bortezomib Hospira is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this
medicinal product, the patient should be informed of potential for hazard to the foetus.

Thalidomide is a known human teratogenic active substance that causes severe life-threatening birth
defects. Thalidomide is contraindicated during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential unless 
all the conditions of the thalidomide pregnancy prevention programme are met. Patients receiving 
Bortezomib Hospira in combination with thalidomide should adhere to the pregnancy prevention
programme of thalidomide. Refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of thalidomide for additional 
information.

Breast-feeding
It is not known whether bortezomib is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious 
adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with
Bortezomib Hospira.

Fertility
Fertility studies were not conducted with Bortezomib Hospira (see section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Bortezomib Hospira may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Bortezomib 
Hospira may be associated with fatigue very commonly, dizziness commonly, syncope uncommonly and 
orthostatic/postural hypotension or blurred vision commonly. Therefore, patients must be cautious when 
driving or using machines and should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they experience 
these symptoms (see section 4.8).

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile
Serious adverse reactions uncommonly reported during treatment with bortezomib include cardiac failure, 
tumour lysis syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, acute 
diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disorders and rarely autonomic neuropathy. 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions during treatment with bortezomib are nausea, diarrhoea,
constipation, vomiting, fatigue, pyrexia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy 
(including sensory), headache, paraesthesia, decreased appetite, dyspnoea, rash, herpes zoster and 
myalgia.



16

Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Multiple myeloma
Undesirable effects in Table 7 were considered by the investigators to have at least a possible or probable 
causal relationship to bortezomib. These adverse reactions are based on an integrated data set of 5,476 
patients of whom 3,996 were treated with bortezomib at 1.3 mg/m2 and included in Table 7.
Overall, bortezomib was administered for the treatment of multiple myeloma in 3,974 patients.

Adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and frequency grouping. Frequencies are defined 
as: Very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available 
data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing 
seriousness. Table 7 has been generated using Version 14.1 of the MedDRA.
Post-marketing adverse reactions not seen in clinical trials are also included.

Table 7: Adverse reactions in patients with multiple myeloma treated with Bortezomib in clinical trials,
and all post-marketing adverse reactions regardless of indication#.

System Organ 
Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Infections and 
infestations 

Common Herpes zoster (inc disseminated & ophthalmic), Pneumonia*, Herpes 
simplex*, Fungal infection* 

Uncommon Infection*, Bacterial infections*, Viral infections*, Sepsis (inc septic 
shock)*, Bronchopneumonia, Herpes virus infection*, 
Meningoencephalitis herpetic#, Bacteraemia (inc staphylococcal), 
Hordeolum, Influenza, Cellulitis, Device related infection, Skin 
infection*, Ear infection*, Staphylococcal infection, Tooth infection* 

Rare Meningitis (inc bacterial), Epstein-Barr virus infection, Genital 
herpes, Tonsillitis, Mastoiditis, Post viral fatigue syndrome 

Neoplasms benign, 
malignant and 
unspecified (incl 
cysts and polyps) 

Rare Neoplasm malignant, Leukaemia plasmacytic, Renal cell carcinoma, 
Mass, Mycosis fungoides, Neoplasm benign* 

Blood and 
lymphatic system 
disorders 

Very 
Common 

Thrombocytopenia*, Neutropenia*, Anaemia* 

Common Leukopenia*, Lymphopenia* 
Uncommon Pancytopenia*, Febrile neutropenia, Coagulopathy*, Leukocytosis*, 

Lymphadenopathy, Haemolytic anaemia#

Rare Disseminated intravascular coagulation, Thrombocytosis*, 
Hyperviscosity syndrome, Platelet disorder NOS, Thrombotic 
microangiopathy (including Thrombocytopenic purpura)#, Blood 
disorder NOS, Haemorrhagic diathesis, Lymphocytic infiltration 

Immune system 
disorders 

Uncommon Angioedema#, Hypersensitivity* 
Rare Anaphylactic shock, Amyloidosis, Type III immune complex 

mediated reaction 
Endocrine 
disorders 

Uncommon Cushing's syndrome*, Hyperthyroidism*, Inappropriate antidiuretic 
hormone secretion 

Rare Hypothyroidism 
Metabolism and 
nutrition disorders 

Very 
Common 

Decreased appetite 

Common Dehydration, Hypokalaemia*, Hyponatraemia*, Blood glucose 
abnormal*, Hypocalcaemia*, Enzyme abnormality* 

Uncommon Tumour lysis syndrome, Failure to thrive*, Hypomagnesaemia*, 



17

System Organ 
Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Hypophosphataemia*, Hyperkalaemia*, Hypercalcaemia*, 
Hypernatraemia*, Uric acid abnormal*, Diabetes mellitus*, Fluid 
retention 

Rare Hypermagnesaemia*, Acidosis, Electrolyte imbalance*, Fluid 
overload, Hypochloraemia*, Hypovolaemia, Hyperchloraemia*, 
Hyperphosphataemia*, Metabolic disorder, Vitamin B complex 
deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Gout, Increased appetite, 
Alcohol intolerance 

Psychiatric 
disorders 

Common Mood disorders and disturbances*, Anxiety disorder*, Sleep 
disorders and disturbances* 

Uncommon Mental disorder*, Hallucination*, Psychotic disorder*, Confusion*, 
Restlessness 

Rare Suicidal ideation*, Adjustment disorder, Delirium, Libido decreased 
Nervous system 
disorders 

Very 
Common 

Neuropathies*, Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Dysaesthesia*, 
Neuralgia* 

Common Motor neuropathy*, Loss of consciousness (inc syncope), Dizziness*, 
Dysgeusia*, Lethargy, Headache* 

Uncommon Tremor, Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, Dyskinesia*, Cerebellar 
coordination and balance disturbances*, Memory loss (exc 
dementia)*, Encephalopathy*, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy 
Syndrome#, Neurotoxicity, Seizure disorders*, Post herpetic 
neuralgia, Speech disorder*, Restless legs syndrome, Migraine, 
Sciatica, Disturbance in attention, Reflexes abnormal*, Parosmia 

Rare Cerebral haemorrhage*, Haemorrhage intracranial (inc 
subarachnoid)*, Brain oedema, Transient ischaemic attack, Coma, 
Autonomic nervous system imbalance, Autonomic neuropathy, 
Cranial palsy*, Paralysis*, Paresis*, Presyncope, Brain stem 
syndrome, Cerebrovascular disorder, Nerve root lesion, Psychomotor 
hyperactivity, Spinal cord compression, Cognitive disorder NOS, 
Motor dysfunction, Nervous system disorder NOS, Radiculitis, 
Drooling, Hypotonia 

Eye disorders Common Eye swelling*, Vision abnormal*, Conjunctivitis* 
Uncommon Eye haemorrhage*, Eyelid infection*, Chalazion#, Blepharitis#, Eye 

inflammation*, Diplopia, Dry eye*, Eye irritation*, Eye pain, 
Lacrimation increased, Eye discharge 

Rare Corneal lesion*, Exophthalmos, Retinitis, Scotoma, Eye disorder 
(inc. eyelid) NOS, Dacryoadenitis acquired, Photophobia, Photopsia, 
Optic neuropathy#, Different degrees of visual impairment (up to 
blindness)* 

Ear and labyrinth 
disorders 

Common Vertigo* 
Uncommon Dysacusis (inc tinnitus)*, Hearing impaired (up to and inc deafness), 

Ear discomfort* 
Rare Ear haemorrhage, Vestibular neuronitis, Ear disorder NOS 

Cardiac disorders Uncommon Cardiac tamponade#, Cardio-pulmonary arrest*, Cardiac fibrillation 
(inc atrial), Cardiac failure (inc left and right ventricular)*, 
Arrhythmia*, Tachycardia*, Palpitations, Angina pectoris, 
Pericarditis (inc pericardial effusion)*, Cardiomyopathy*, Ventricular 
dysfunction*, Bradycardia 

Rare Atrial flutter, Myocardial infarction*, Atrioventricular block*, 



18

System Organ 
Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Cardiovascular disorder (inc cardiogenic shock), Torsade de pointes, 
Angina unstable, Cardiac valve disorders*, Coronary artery 
insufficiency, Sinus arrest 

Vascular disorders Common Hypotension*, Orthostatic hypotension, Hypertension* 
Uncommon Cerebrovascular accident#, Deep vein thrombosis*, Haemorrhage*, 

Thrombophlebitis (inc superficial), Circulatory collapse (inc 
hypovolaemic shock), Phlebitis, Flushing*, Haematoma (inc 
perirenal)*, Poor peripheral circulation*, Vasculitis, Hyperaemia (inc 
ocular)* 

Rare Peripheral embolism, Lymphoedema, Pallor, Erythromelalgia, 
Vasodilatation, Vein discolouration, Venous insufficiency 

Respiratory, 
thoracic and 
mediastinal 
disorders 

Common Dyspnoea*, Epistaxis, Upper/lower respiratory tract infection*, 
Cough* 

Uncommon Pulmonary embolism, Pleural effusion, Pulmonary oedema (inc 
acute), Pulmonary alveolar haemorrhage#, Bronchospasm, Chronic 
obstructive pulmonary disease*, Hypoxaemia*, Respiratory tract 
congestion*, Hypoxia, Pleurisy*, Hiccups, Rhinorrhoea, Dysphonia, 
Wheezing 

Rare Respiratory failure, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Apnoea, 
Pneumothorax, Atelectasis, Pulmonary hypertension, Haemoptysis, 
Hyperventilation, Orthopnoea, Pneumonitis, Respiratory alkalosis, 
Tachypnoea, Pulmonary fibrosis, Bronchial disorder*, Hypocapnia*, 
Interstitial lung disease, Lung infiltration, Throat tightness, Dry 
throat, Increased upper airway secretion, Throat irritation, Upper-
airway cough syndrome 

Gastrointestinal 
disorders 

Very 
Common 

Nausea and vomiting symptoms*, Diarrhoea*, Constipation 

Common Gastrointestinal haemorrhage (inc mucosal)*, Dyspepsia, Stomatitis*, 
Abdominal distension, Oropharyngeal pain*, Abdominal pain (inc 
gastrointestinal and splenic pain)*, Oral disorder*, Flatulence 

Uncommon Pancreatitis (inc chronic)*, Haematemesis, Lip swelling*, 
Gastrointestinal obstruction (inc small intestinal obstruction, ileus)*, 
Abdominal discomfort, Oral ulceration*, Enteritis*, Gastritis*, 
Gingival bleeding, Gastrooesophageal reflux disease*, Colitis (inc 
clostridium difficile)*, Colitis ischaemic#, Gastrointestinal 
inflammation*, Dysphagia, Irritable bowel syndrome, 
Gastrointestinal disorder NOS, Tongue coated, Gastrointestinal 
motility disorder*, Salivary gland disorder* 

Rare Pancreatitis acute, Peritonitis*, Tongue oedema*, Ascites, 
Oesophagitis, Cheilitis, Faecal incontinence, Anal sphincter atony, 
Faecaloma*, Gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation*, Gingival 
hypertrophy, Megacolon, Rectal discharge, Oropharyngeal 
blistering*, Lip pain, Periodontitis, Anal fissure, Change of bowel 
habit, Proctalgia, Abnormal faeces 

Hepatobiliary 
disorders 

Common Hepatic enzyme abnormality* 
Uncommon Hepatotoxicity (inc liver disorder), Hepatitis*, Cholestasis 
Rare Hepatic failure, Hepatomegaly, Budd-Chiari syndrome, 

Cytomegalovirus hepatitis, Hepatic haemorrhage, Cholelithiasis 
Skin and Common Rash*, Pruritus*, Erythema, Dry skin 



19

System Organ 
Class Incidence Adverse reaction

subcutaneous tissue 
disorders 

Uncommon Erythema multiforme, Urticaria, Acute febrile neutrophilic 
dermatosis, Toxic skin eruption, Toxic epidermal necrolysis# , 
Stevens-Johnson syndrome#, Dermatitis*, Hair disorder*, Petechiae, 
Ecchymosis, Skin lesion, Purpura, Skin mass*, Psoriasis, 
Hyperhidrosis, Night sweats, Decubitus ulcer# , Acne*, Blister*, 
Pigmentation disorder* 

Rare Skin reaction, Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration, Palmar-plantar 
erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, Haemorrhage subcutaneous, Livedo 
reticularis, Skin induration, Papule, Photosensitivity reaction, 
Seborrhoea, Cold sweat, Skin disorder NOS, Erythrosis, Skin ulcer, 
Nail disorder 

Musculoskeletal 
and connective 
tissue disorders 

Very 
Common 

Musculoskeletal pain* 

Common Muscle spasms*, Pain in extremity, Muscular weakness 
Uncommon Muscle twitching, Joint swelling, Arthritis*, Joint stiffness, 

Myopathies*, Sensation of heaviness 
Rare Rhabdomyolysis, Temporomandibular joint syndrome, Fistula, Joint 

effusion, Pain in jaw, Bone disorder, Musculoskeletal and connective 
tissue infections and inflammations*, Synovial cyst 

Renal and urinary 
disorders 

Common Renal impairment* 
Uncommon Renal failure acute, Renal failure chronic*, Urinary tract infection*, 

Urinary tract signs and symptoms*, Haematuria*, Urinary retention, 
Micturition disorder*, Proteinuria, Azotaemia, Oliguria*, Pollakisuria 

Rare Bladder irritation 
Reproductive 
system and breast 
disorders 

Uncommon Vaginal haemorrhage, Genital pain*, Erectile dysfunction, 
Rare Testicular disorder*, Prostatitis, Breast disorder female, Epididymal 

tenderness, Epididymitis, Pelvic pain, Vulval ulceration 
Congenital, 
familial and 
genetic disorders 

Rare Aplasia, Gastrointestinal malformation, Ichthyosis 

General disorders 
and administration 
site conditions 

Very 
Common 

Pyrexia*, Fatigue, Asthenia 

Common Oedema (inc peripheral), Chills, Pain*, Malaise* 
Uncommon General physical health deterioration*, Face oedema*, Injection site 

reaction*, Mucosal disorder*, Chest pain, Gait disturbance, Feeling 
cold, Extravasation*, Catheter related complication*, Change in 
thirst*, Chest discomfort, Feeling of body temperature change*, 
Injection site pain* 

Rare Death (inc sudden), Multi-organ failure, Injection site 
haemorrhage*, Hernia (inc hiatus)*, Impaired healing*, 
Inflammation, Injection site phlebitis*, Tenderness, Ulcer, 
Irritability, Non-cardiac chest pain, Catheter site pain, Sensation of 
foreign body 



20

System Organ 
Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Investigations Common Weight decreased 
Uncommon Hyperbilirubinaemia*, Protein analyses abnormal*, Weight 

increased, Blood test abnormal*, C-reactive protein increased 
Rare Blood gases abnormal*, Electrocardiogram abnormalities (inc QT 

prolongation)*, International normalised ratio abnormal*, Gastric 
pH decreased, Platelet aggregation increased, Troponin I increased, 
Virus identification and serology*, Urine analysis abnormal* 

Injury, poisoning 
and procedural 
complications 

Uncommon Fall, Contusion 
Rare Transfusion reaction, Fractures*, Rigors*, Face injury, Joint injury*, 

Burns, Laceration, Procedural pain, Radiation injuries* 
Surgical and 
medical procedures 

Rare Macrophage activation 

NOS=not otherwise specified
* Grouping of more than one MedDRA preferred term.
# Post-marketing adverse reaction regardless of indication

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
The safety profile of bortezomib in 240 MCL patients treated with bortezomib at 1.3 mg/m2 in 
combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (BR-CAP) versus 242 
patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP] 
was relatively consistent to that observed in patients with multiple myeloma with main differences 
described below. Additional adverse drug reactions identified associated with the use of the combination 
therapy (BR-CAP) were hepatitis B infection (< 1%) and myocardial ischaemia (1.3%). The similar 
incidences of these events in both treatment arms, indicated that these adverse drug reactions are not 
attributable to bortezomib alone. Notable differences in the MCL patient population as compared to 
patients in the multiple myeloma studies were a ≥ 5% higher incidence of the haematological adverse 
reactions (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anaemia, lymphopenia), peripheral sensory 
neuropathy, hypertension, pyrexia, pneumonia, stomatitis, and hair disorders.
Adverse drug reactions identified as those with a ≥ 1% incidence, similar or higher incidence in the 
BR-CAP arm and with at least a possible or probable causal relationship to the components of the 
BR-CAP arm, are listed in Table 8 below. Also included are adverse drug reactions identified in the 
BR-CAP arm that were considered by investigators to have at least a possible or probable causal 
relationship to bortezomib based on historical data in the multiple myeloma studies.

Adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and frequency grouping. Frequencies are defined 
as: Very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available 
data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing 
seriousness. Table 8 has been generated using Version 16 of the MedDRA.

Table 8 Adverse reactions in patients with Mantle cell lymphoma treated with BR-CAP in a clinical trial.

System Organ Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Infections and infestations Very Common Pneumonia*

Common Sepsis (inc septic shock)*, Herpes zoster (inc disseminated & 
ophthalmic), Herpes virus infection*, Bacterial infections*, 
Upper/lower respiratory tract infection*, Fungal infection*, 
Herpes simplex*

Uncommon Hepatitis B, Infection*, Bronchopneumonia



21

System Organ Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Blood and lymphatic system 
disorders

Very Common Thrombocytopenia*, Febrile neutropenia, Neutropenia*, 
Leukopenia*, Anaemia*, Lymphopenia*

Uncommon Pancytopenia*

Immune system disorders Common Hypersensitivity*

Uncommon Anaphylactic reaction

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders

Very Common Decreased appetite

Common Hypokalaemia*, Blood glucose abnormal*, Hyponatraemia*, 
Diabetes mellitus*, Fluid retention

Uncommon Tumour lysis syndrome

Psychiatric disorders Common Sleep disorders and disturbances*

Nervous system disorders Very Common Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Dysaesthesia*, Neuralgia*

Common Neuropathies*, Motor neuropathy*, Loss of consciousness (inc 
syncope), Encephalopathy*, Peripheral sensorimotor 
neuropathy, Dizziness*, Dysgeusia*, Autonomic neuropathy

Uncommon Autonomic nervous system imbalance

Eye disorders Common Vision abnormal*

Ear and labyrinth disorders Common Dysacusis (inc tinnitus)*

Uncommon Vertigo*, Hearing impaired (up to and inc deafness)

Cardiac disorders Common Cardiac fibrillation (inc atrial), Arrhythmia*, Cardiac failure 
(inc left and right ventricular)*, Myocardial ischaemia, 
Ventricular dysfunction*

Uncommon Cardiovascular disorder (inc cardiogenic shock)

Vascular disorders Common Hypertension*, Hypotension*, Orthostatic hypotension

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders

Common Dyspnoea*, Cough*, Hiccups

Uncommon Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Pulmonary embolism, 
Pneumonitis, Pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary oedema (inc 
acute)

Gastrointestinal disorders Very Common Nausea and vomiting symptoms*, Diarrhoea*, Stomatitis*, 
Constipation

Common Gastrointestinal haemorrhage (inc mucosal)*, Abdominal 
distension, Dyspepsia, Oropharyngeal pain*, Gastritis*, Oral 
ulceration*, Abdominal discomfort, Dysphagia, 
Gastrointestinal inflammation*, Abdominal pain (inc 
gastrointestinal and splenic pain)*, Oral disorder*

Uncommon Colitis (inc clostridium difficile)*

Hepatobiliary disorders Common Hepatotoxicity (inc liver disorder)

Uncommon Hepatic failure

Skin and subcutaneous tissue 
disorders

Very Common Hair disorder*

Common Pruritus*, Dermatitis*, Rash*

Musculoskeletal and connective 
tissue disorders

Common Muscle spasms*, Musculoskeletal pain*, Pain in extremity



22

System Organ Class Incidence Adverse reaction

Renal and urinary disorders Common Urinary tract infection*

General disorders and 
administration site conditions

Very Common Pyrexia*, Fatigue, Asthenia

Common Oedema (inc peripheral), Chills, Injection site reaction*, 
Malaise*

Investigations Common Hyperbilirubinaemia*, Protein analyses abnormal*, Weight 
decreased, Weight increased

* Grouping of more than one MedDRA preferred term.

Description of selected adverse reactions
Herpes zoster virus reactivation
Multiple myeloma
Antiviral prophylaxis was administered to 26% of the patients in the B+M+P arm. The incidence of herpes 
zoster among patients in the B+M+P treatment group was 17% for patients not administered antiviral 
prophylaxis compared to 3% for patients administered antiviral prophylaxis.

Mantle cell lymphoma
Antiviral prophylaxis was administered to 137 of 240 patients (57%) in the BR-CAP arm. The incidence 
of herpes zoster among patients in the BR-CAP arm was 10.7% for patients not administered antiviral 
prophylaxis compared to 3.6% for patients administered antiviral prophylaxis (see section 4.4).

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation and infection
Mantle cell lymphoma
HBV infection with fatal outcomes occurred in 0.8% (n=2) of patients in the non-bortezomib treatment 
group (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone; R-CHOP) and 0.4% (n=1) 
of patients receiving bortezomib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 
prednisone (BR-CAP). The overall incidence of hepatitis B infections was similar in patients treated with 
BR-CAP or with R-CHOP (0.8% vs 1.2% respectively).

Peripheral neuropathy in combination regimens
Multiple myeloma
In trials in which bortezomib was administered as induction treatment in combination with dexamethasone 
(study IFM-2005-01), and dexamethasone-thalidomide (study MMY-3010), the incidence of peripheral 
neuropathy in the combination regimens is presented in the table below:

Table 9: Incidence of peripheral neuropathy during induction treatment by toxicity and treatment 
discontinuation due to peripheral neuropathy

IFM-2005-01 MMY-3010
VDDx

(N=239)
BDx

(N=239)
TDx

(N=126)
BTDx

(N=130)
Incidence of PN (%)
All Grade PN 3 15 12 45 
≥ Grade 2 PN 1 10 2 31 
≥ Grade 3 PN < 1 5 0 5 
Discontinuation due to PN (%) < 1 2 1 5 
VDDx=vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone; BDx=bortezomib, dexamethasone; TDx=thalidomide, 
dexamethasone;
BTDx=bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone; PN=peripheral neuropathy
Note: Peripheral neuropathy included the preferred terms: neuropathy peripheral, peripheral motor neuropathy, 
peripheral sensory neuropathy, and polyneuropathy.



23

Mantle cell lymphoma
In study LYM-3002 in which bortezomib was administered with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, 
doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CAP), the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in the combination 
regimens is presented in the table below:

Table 10: Incidence of peripheral neuropathy in study LYM-3002 by toxicity and treatment 
discontinuation due to peripheral neuropathy

BR-CAP
(N=240)

R-CHOP
(N=242)

Incidence of PN (%)

All Grade PN 30 29

≥ Grade 2 PN 18 9

≥ Grade 3 PN 8 4

Discontinuation due to PN (%) 2 < 1

BR-CAP= bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone; R-CHOP= rituximab, 
cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone; PN=peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy included the preferred terms: peripheral sensory neuropathy, neuropathy peripheral, 
peripheral motor neuropathy, and peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy

Elderly MCL patients
42.9% and 10.4% of patients in the BR-CAP arm were in the range 65-74 years and ≥ 75 years of age, 
respectively. Although in patients aged ≥ 75 years, both BR-CAP and R-CHOP were less tolerated, the 
serious adverse event rate in the BR-CAP groups was 68%, compared to 42% in the R-CHOP group.

Notable differences in the safety profile of bortezomib administered subcutaneously versus intravenously 
as single agent
In the Phase III study patients who received bortezomib subcutaneously compared to intravenous
administration had 13% lower overall incidence of treatment emergent adverse reactions that were Grade 
3 or higher in toxicity, and a 5% lower incidence of discontinuation of bortezomib. The overall incidence 
of diarrhoea, gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, asthenic conditions, upper respiratory tract infections 
and peripheral neuropathies were 12%-15% lower in the subcutaneous group than in the intravenous 
group. In addition, the incidence of Grade 3 or higher peripheral neuropathies was 10% lower, and the 
discontinuation rate due to peripheral neuropathies 8% lower for the subcutaneous group as compared to 
the intravenous group.

Six percent of patients had an adverse local reaction to subcutaneous administration, mostly redness.
Cases resolved in a median of 6 days, dose modification was required in two patients. Two (1%) of the
patients had severe reactions; 1 case of pruritus and 1 case of redness.

The incidence of death on treatment was 5% in the subcutaneous treatment group and 7% in the
intravenous treatment group. Incidence of death from “Progressive disease” was 18% in the subcutaneous 
group and 9% in the intravenous group.

Retreatment of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma
In a study in which bortezomib retreatment was administered in 130 patients with relapsed multiple
myeloma, who previously had at least partial response on a bortezomib-containing regimen, the most
common all-grade adverse events occurring in at least 25% of patients were thrombocytopenia (55%),



24

neuropathy (40%), anaemia (37%), diarrhoea (35%), and constipation (28%). All grade peripheral
neuropathy and grade ≥ 3 peripheral neuropathy were observed in 40% and 8.5% of patients, respectively.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows
continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are 
asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

In patients, overdose more than twice the recommended dose has been associated with the acute onset of 
symptomatic hypotension and thrombocytopenia with fatal outcomes. For preclinical cardiovascular safety 
pharmacology studies, see section 5.3.

There is no known specific antidote for bortezomib overdose. In the event of an overdose, the patient’s 
vital signs should be monitored and appropriate supportive care given to maintain blood pressure (such as 
fluids, pressors, and/or inotropic agents) and body temperature (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, other antineoplastic agents, ATC code: L01XX32.

Mechanism of action
Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor. It is specifically designed to inhibit the chymotrypsin-like activity 
of the 26S proteasome in mammalian cells. The 26S proteasome is a large protein complex that degrades 
ubiquitinated proteins. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in regulating the turnover 
of specific proteins, thereby maintaining homeostasis within cells. Inhibition of the 26S proteasome 
prevents this targeted proteolysis and affects multiple signalling cascades within the cell, ultimately 
resulting in cancer cell death.

Bortezomib is highly selective for the proteasome. At 10 µM concentrations, bortezomib does not inhibit 
any of a wide variety of receptors and proteases screened and is more than 1,500-fold more selective for 
the proteasome than for its next preferable enzyme. The kinetics of proteasome inhibition were evaluated 
in vitro, and bortezomib was shown to dissociate from the proteasome with a t½ of 20 minutes, thus 
demonstrating that proteasome inhibition by bortezomib is reversible.

Bortezomib mediated proteasome inhibition affects cancer cells in a number of ways, including, but not 
limited to, altering regulatory proteins, which control cell cycle progression and nuclear factor kappa B 
(NF-kB) activation. Inhibition of the proteasome results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. NF-kB is a 
transcription factor whose activation is required for many aspects of tumourigenesis, including cell growth 
and survival, angiogenesis, cell-cell interactions, and metastasis. In myeloma, bortezomib affects the 
ability of myeloma cells to interact with the bone marrow microenvironment.

Experiments have demonstrated that bortezomib is cytotoxic to a variety of cancer cell types and that
cancer cells are more sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects of proteasome inhibition than normal cells.
Bortezomib causes reduction of tumour growth in vivo in many preclinical tumour models, including
multiple myeloma.



25

Data from in vitro, ex-vivo, and animal models with bortezomib suggest that it increases osteoblast
differentiation and activity and inhibits osteoclast function. These effects have been observed in patients 
with multiple myeloma affected by an advanced osteolytic disease and treated with bortezomib.

Clinical efficacy in previously untreated multiple myeloma
A prospective Phase III, international, randomised (1:1), open-label clinical study (MMY-3002 VISTA) of 
682 patients was conducted to determine whether bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 injected intravenously) in 
combination with melphalan (9 mg/m2) and prednisone (60 mg/m2) resulted in improvement in time to 
progression (TTP) when compared to melphalan (9 mg/m2) and prednisone (60 mg/m2) in patients with 
previously untreated multiple myeloma. Treatment was administered for a maximum of 9 cycles 
(approximately 54 weeks) and was discontinued early for disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 
The median age of the patients in the study was 71 years, 50% were male, 88% were Caucasian and the 
median Karnofsky performance status score for the patients was 80. Patients had IgG/IgA/Light chain 
myeloma in 63%/25%/8% instances, a median haemoglobin of 105 g/l, and a median platelet count of 
221.5 x 109/l. Similar proportions of patients had creatinine clearance ≤ 30 ml/min (3% in each arm).

At the time of a pre-specified interim analysis, the primary endpoint, time to progression, was met and
patients in the M+P arm were offered B+M+P treatment. Median follow-up was 16.3 months. The final 
survival update was performed with a median duration of follow-up of 60.1 months. A statistically 
significant survival benefit in favour of the B+M+P treatment group was observed (HR=0.695; 
p=0.00043) despite subsequent therapies including bortezomib-based regimens. Median survival for the 
B+M+P treatment group was 56.4 months compared to 43.1 for the M+P treatment group. Efficacy results 
are presented in Table 11:

Table 11: Efficacy results following the final survival update to VISTA study
Efficacy endpoint B+M+P 

n=344 
M+P 

n=338
Time to progression 
Events n (%) 101 (29) 152 (45) 
Mediana (95% CI) 20.7 mo (17.6, 24,7) 15.0 mo (14.1, 17.9)
Hazard ratiob (95% CI) 0.54(0.42, 0.70)
p-valuec 0.000002 
Progression-free survival 
Events n (%) 135 (39) 190 (56) 
Mediana (95% CI) 18.3 mo (16.6, 21.7) 14.0 mo (11.1, 15.0) 
Hazard ratiob (95% CI) 0.61(0.49, 0.76)
p-value c 0.00001 
Overall survival* 
Events (deaths) n (%) 176 (51.2) 211(62.4)
Mediana (95% CI) 56.4 mo (52.8, 60.9) 43.1 mo(35.3, 48.3)

Hazard ratiob (95% CI) 0.695 (0.567, 0.852) 
p-valuec 0.00043 
Response rate 
populatione n=668 n=337 n=331
CRf n (%) 102 (30) 12 (4) 
PRf n (%) 136 (40) 103 (31) 
nCR n (%) 5 (1) 0 
CR+PRf n (%) 238 (71) 115 (35) 
p-valued < 10-10



26

Efficacy endpoint B+M+P 
n=344 

M+P 
n=338

Reduction in serum M-protein 
populationg n=667 n=336 n=331
>=90% n (%) 151 (45) 34 (10)
Time to first response in CR + PR 
Median 1.4 mo 4.2 mo
Mediana response duration 
CRf 24.0 mo 12.8 mo 
CR+PRf 19.9 mo 13.1 mo 
Time to next therapy
Events n (%) 224 (65.1) 260 (76.9) 
Mediana (95% CI) 27.0 mo (24.7, 31.1) 19.2 mo (17.0, 21.0) 
Hazard ratiob (95% CI) 0.557 (0.462, 0.671) 
p-valuec < 0.000001 
a Kaplan-Meier estimate.
b Hazard ratio estimate is based on a Cox proportional-hazard model adjusted for stratification factors: 

β2 -microglobulin, albumin, and region. A hazard ratio less than 1 indicates an advantage for VMP
c Nominal p-value based on the stratified log-rank test adjusted for stratification factors: 

β2-microglobulin, albumin, and region
d p-value for Response Rate (CR+PR) from the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test adjusted for the 

stratification factors
e Response population includes patients who had measurable disease at baseline
f CR=Complete Response; PR=Partial Response. EBMT criteria
g All randomised patients with secretory disease
* Survival update based on a median duration of follow-up at 60.1 months 
mo: months
CI=Confidence Interval

Patients eligible for stem cell transplantation
Two randomised, open-label, multicenter Phase III trials (IFM-2005-01, MMY-3010) were conducted to 
demonstrate the safety and efficacy of bortezomib in dual and triple combinations with other
chemotherapeutic agents, as induction therapy prior to stem cell transplantation in patients with previously 
untreated multiple myeloma.

In study IFM-2005-01 bortezomib combined with dexamethasone [BDx, n=240] was compared to 
vincristine- doxorubicin-dexamethasone [VDDx, n=242]. Patients in the BDx group received four 21 day 
cycles, each consisting of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 administered intravenously twice weekly on days 
1, 4, 8, and 11), and oral dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1 to 4 and days 9 to 12, in Cycles 1 and 2, 
and on days 1 to 4 in Cycles 3 and 4).
Autologous stem cell transplants were received by 198 (82%) patients and 208 (87%) patients in the
VDDx and BDx groups respectively; the majority of patients underwent one single transplant procedure. 
Patient demographic and baseline disease characteristics were similar between the treatment groups. 
Median age of the patients in the study was 57 years, 55% were male and 48% of patients had high-risk 
cytogenetics. The median duration of treatment was 13 weeks for the VDDx group and 11 weeks for the 
BDx group. The median number of cycles received for both groups was 4 cycles.
The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was post-induction response rate (CR+nCR). A statistically
significant difference in CR+nCR was observed in favour of the bortezomib combined with
dexamethasone group. Secondary efficacy endpoints included post-transplant response rates (CR+nCR, 
CR+nCR+VGPR+PR), Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival. Main efficacy results are 
presented in Table 12.



27

Table 12: Efficacy results from study IFM-2005-01
Endpoints BDx VDDx OR; 95% CI;

P valuea 

IFM-2005-01 
N=240 

(ITT population) 
N=242 

(ITT population) 
RR (Post-induction) 
*CR+nCR 
CR+nCR+VGPR+PR 
% (95% CI) 

14.6 (10.4, 19.7) 
77.1 (71.2, 82.2) 

6.2 (3.5, 10.0) 
60.7 (54.3, 66.9) 

2.58 (1.37, 4.85); 
0.003 
2.18 (1.46, 3.24);
< 0.001 

RR (Post-transplant)b

CR+nCR 
CR+nCR+VGPR+PR 
% (95% CI) 

37.5 (31.4, 44.0) 
79.6 (73.9, 84.5) 

23.1 (18.0, 29.0) 
74.4 (68.4, 79.8) 

1.98 (1.33, 2.95); 
0.001 
1.34 (0.87, 2.05); 
0.179 

CI=confidence interval; CR=complete response; nCR=near complete response; ITT=intent to treat; RR=response 
rate;
B=bortezomib; BDx=bortezomib, dexamethasone; VDDx=vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone; VGPR=very
good partial response; PR=partial response; OR=odds ratio.
* Primary endpoint
a OR for response rates based on Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the common odds ratio for stratified tables; p-

values by Cochran Mantel-Haenszel test.
b Refers to response rate after second transplant for subjects who received a second transplant (42/240 [18% ] 

in BDx group and 52/242 [21%] in VDDx group).
Note: An OR > 1 indicates an advantage for bortezomib-containing induction therapy.

In study MMY-3010 induction treatment with bortezomib combined with thalidomide and dexamethasone 
[BTDx, n=130] was compared to thalidomide-dexamethasone [TDx, n=127]. Patients in the BTDx group 
received six 4-week cycles, each consisting of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 administered twice weekly days 
1, 4, 8, and 11, followed by a 17-day rest period from day 12 to day 28), dexamethasone (40 mg 
administered orally on days 1 to 4 and days 8 to 11), and thalidomide (administered orally at 50 mg daily 
on days 1-14, increased to 100 mg on days 15-28 and thereafter to 200 mg daily).
One single autologous stem cell transplant was received by 105 (81%) patients and 78 (61%) patients in 
the BTDx and TDx groups, respectively. Patient demographic and baseline disease characteristics were 
similar between the treatment groups. Patients in the BTDx and TDx groups respectively had a median 
age of 57 versus 56 years, 99% versus 98% patients were Caucasians, and 58% versus 54% were males. In 
the BTDx group 12% of patients were cytogenetically classified as high risk versus 16% of patients in the 
TDx group. The median duration of treatment was 24.0 weeks and the median number of treatment cycles 
received was 6.0, and was consistent across treatment groups.
The primary efficacy endpoints of the study were post-induction and post-transplant response rates
(CR+nCR). A statistically significant difference in CR+nCR was observed in favour of the bortezomib 
combined with dexamethasone and thalidomide group. Secondary efficacy endpoints included Progression 
Free Survival and Overall Survival. Main efficacy results are presented in Table 13.



28

Table 13: Efficacy results from study MMY-3010
Endpoints BTDx TDx OR; 95% CI; 

P valuea

MMY-3010 N=130 (ITT 
population) 

N=127 (ITT 
population) 

*RR (Post-induction) 
CR+nCR 49.2 (40.4, 58.1) 17.3 (11.2, 25.0) 4.63 (2.61, 8.22); 

< 0.001a

CR+nCR+PR % 
(95% CI) 

84.6 (77.2, 90.3) 61.4 (52.4, 69.9) 3.46 (1.90, 6.27); 
< 0.001a

*RR (Post-transplant) 
CR+nCR 55.4 (46.4, 64.1) 34.6 (26.4, 43.6) 2.34 (1.42, 3.87); 0.001a 
CR+nCR+PR % 
(95% CI) 

77.7 (69.6, 84.5) 56.7 (47.6, 65.5) 2.66 (1.55, 4.57); 
< 0.001a

CI=confidence interval; CR=complete response; nCR=near complete response; ITT=intent to treat; RR=response 
rate;
B=bortezomib; BTDx=bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone; TDx=thalidomide, dexamethasone; PR=partial 
response;
OR=odds ratio
* Primary endpoint
a OR for response rates based on Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the common odds ratio for stratified tables; p-

values by Cochran Mantel-Haenszel test.
Note: An OR > 1 indicates an advantage for bortezomib-containing induction therapy

Clinical efficacy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
The safety and efficacy of bortezomib (injected intravenously) were evaluated in 2 studies at the
recommended dose of 1.3 mg/m2: a Phase III randomised, comparative study (APEX), versus
dexamethasone (Dex), of 669 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had received 1-3 
prior lines of therapy, and a Phase II single-arm study of 202 patients with relapsed and refractory
multiple myeloma, who had received at least 2 prior lines of treatment and who were progressing on their 
most recent treatment.

In the Phase III study, treatment with bortezomib led to a significantly longer time to progression, a
significantly prolonged survival and a significantly higher response rate, compared to treatment with
dexamethasone (see Table 14), in all patients as well as in patients who have received 1 prior line of 
therapy. As a result of a pre-planned interim analysis, the dexamethasone arm was halted at the
recommendation of the data monitoring committee and all patients randomised to dexamethasone were
then offered bortezomib, regardless of disease status. Due to this early crossover, the median duration of 
follow-up for surviving patients is 8.3 months. Both in patients who were refractory to their last prior 
therapy and those who were not refractory, overall survival was significantly longer and response rate was 
significantly higher on the bortezomib arm.

Of the 669 patients enrolled, 245 (37%) were 65 years of age or older. Response parameters as well as
TTP remained significantly better for bortezomib independently of age. Regardless of β2-microglobulin 
levels at baseline, all efficacy parameters (time to progression and overall survival, as well as response 
rate) were significantly improved on the bortezomib arm.

In the refractory population of the Phase II study, responses were determined by an independent review
committee and the response criteria were those of the European Bone Marrow Transplant Group. The 
median survival of all patients enrolled was 17 months (range < 1 to 36+ months). This survival was 
greater than the six-to-nine month median survival anticipated by consultant clinical investigators for a 
similar patient population. By multivariate analysis, the response rate was independent of myeloma type, 



29

performance status, chromosome 13 deletion status, or the number or type of previous therapies. Patients 
who had received 2 to 3 prior therapeutic regimens had a response rate of 32% (10/32) and patients who 
received greater than 7 prior therapeutic regimens had a response rate of 31% (21/67).

Table 14: Summary of disease outcomes from the Phase III (APEX) and Phase II studies
Phase III Phase III Phase III Phase II

All patients
1 prior line of 

therapy
> 1 prior line of 

therapy
≥ 2 prior 

lines
Time related 
events 

B
n=333a

Dex
n=336 a

B
n=132 a

Dex
n=119 a

B
n=200 a

Dex
n=217 a

B
n=202 a

TTP, days 
[95% CI] 

189b

[148, 
211]

106b

[86, 
128]

212d

[188, 267]
169d

[105, 191]
148b

[129, 192]

87b

[84, 
107]

210
[154, 281]

1 year survival, 
% [95% CI] 

80d 
[74,85]

66d 
[59,72]

89d 
[82,95]

72d 
[62,83]

73 
[64,82]

62 
[53,71]

60

Best response 
(%)

B
n=315c

Dex
n=312c

B
n=128

Dex
n=110

B
n=187

Dex
n=202

B
n=193

CR 20 (6)b 2 (< 1)b 8 (6) 2 (2) 12 (6) 0 (0) (4)**
CR+nCR 41 (13)b 5 (2)b 16 (13) 4 (4) 25 (13) 1 (< 1) (10)**
CR+nCR+PR 121 (38)b 56 (18)b 57 (45)d 29 (26)d 64 (34)b 27 (13)b (27)**
CR+nCR+ 
PR+MR 

146 (46) 108 (35) 66 (52) 45 (41) 80 (43) 63 (31) (35)**

Median 
duration Days 
(months) 242 (8.0)

169 
(5.6) 246 (8.1) 189 (6.2) 238 (7.8)

126 
(4.1) 385*

Time to 
response 
CR+PR (days) 43 43 44 46 41 27 38*
a Intent to Treat (ITT) population
b p-value from the stratified log-rank test; analysis by line of therapy excludes stratification for therapeutic 

history; p < 0.0001
c Response population includes patients who had measurable disease at baseline and received at least 1 dose of 

study medicinal product.
d p-value from the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test adjusted for the stratification factors; analysis by 

line of therapy excludes stratification for therapeutic history
* CR+PR+MR **CR=CR, (IF-); nCR=CR (IF+)
NA=not applicable, NE=not estimated
TTP-Time to Progression
CI=Confidence Interval
B=bortezomib; Dex=dexamethasone
CR=Complete Response; nCR=near Complete response
PR=Partial Response; MR=Minimal response

In the Phase II study, patients who did not obtain an optimal response to therapy with bortezomib alone 
were able to receive high-dose dexamethasone in conjunction with bortezomib. The protocol allowed 
patients to receive dexamethasone if they had had a less than optimal response to bortezomib alone. A 
total of 74 evaluable patients were administered dexamethasone in combination with bortezomib. Eighteen 
percent of patients achieved, or had an improved response [MR (11%) or PR (7%)] with combination 
treatment.



30

Clinical efficacy with subcutaneous administration of bortezomib in patients with relapsed/refractory 
multiple myeloma
An open label, randomised, Phase III non-inferiority study compared the efficacy and safety of the
subcutaneous administration of bortezomib versus the intravenous administration. This study included 222 
patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, who were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive
1.3 mg/m2 of bortezomib by either the subcutaneous or intravenous route for 8 cycles. Patients who did 
not obtain an optimal response (less than Complete Response [CR]) to therapy with bortezomib alone after 
4 cycles were allowed to receive dexamethasone 20 mg daily on the day of and after bortezomib 
administration. Patients with baseline Grade ≥ 2 peripheral neuropathy or platelet counts < 50,000/μl were 
excluded. A total of 218 patients were evaluable for response.

This study met its primary objective of non-inferiority for response rate (CR+PR) after 4 cycles of single 
agent bortezomib for both the subcutaneous and intravenous routes, 42% in both groups. In addition, 
secondary response-related and time to event related efficacy endpoints showed consistent results for 
subcutaneous and intravenous administration (Table 15).

Table 15: Summary of efficacy analyses comparing subcutaneous and intravenous administrations of 
bortezomib 

Bortezomib intravenous 
arm

Bortezomib 
subcutaneous arm 

Response Evaluable Population n=73 n=145
Response Rate at 4 cycles n (%) 
ORR (CR+PR)

31 (42) 61 (42)

p-valuea 0.00201
CR n (%) 6 (8) 9 (6)
PR n (%) 25 (34) 52 (36)
nCR n (%) 4 (5) 9 (6)
Response Rate at 8 cycles n (%) 
ORR (CR+PR) 38 (52) 76 (52)
p-valuea 0.0001
CR n (%) 9 (12) 15 (10)
PR n (%) 29 (40) 61 (42)
nCR n (%) 7 (10) 14 (10)
Intent to Treat Populationb n=74 n=148
TTP, months 9.4 10.4
(95% CI) (7.6, 10.6)            (8.5, 11.7)
Hazard ratio (95% CI)c 

p-valued
0.839 (0.564, 1.249)

0.38657
Progression Free Survival, months 8.0 10.2
(95% CI) (6.7, 9.8) (8.1, 10.8)
Hazard ratio (95% CI)c

p-valued
0.824 (0.574, 1.183)

0.295

1-year Overall Survival (%)e 76.7 72.6
(95% CI) (64.1, 85.4) (63.1, 80.0)

a p-value is for the non-inferiority hypothesis that the SC arm retains at least 60% of the response rate in the IV 
arm.

b 222 subjects were enrolled into the study; 221 subjects were treated with bortezomib 
c Hazards ratio estimate is based on a Cox model adjusted for stratification factors: ISS staging and number of 

prior lines.
d Log rank test adjusted for stratification factors: ISS staging and number of prior lines.
e Median duration of follow up is 11.8 months



31

Bortezomib combination treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (study DOXIL-MMY-3001)
A Phase III randomised, parallel-group, open-label, multicentre study was conducted in 646 patients
comparing the safety and efficacy of bortezomib plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin versus bortezomib 
monotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma who had received at least 1 prior therapy and who did not 
progress while receiving anthracycline-based therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was TTP while the 
secondary efficacy endpoints were OS and ORR (CR+PR), using the European Group for Blood and 
Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria.
A protocol-defined interim analysis (based on 249 TTP events) triggered early study termination for
efficacy. This interim analysis showed a TTP risk reduction of 45 % (95 % CI; 29-57 %, p < 0.0001) for 
patients treated with combination therapy of bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. The
median TTP was 6.5 months for the bortezomib monotherapy patients compared with 9.3 months for the 
bortezomib plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combination therapy patients. These results, though not 
mature, constituted the protocol defined final analysis.

The final analysis for OS performed after a median follow-up of 8.6 years showed no significant 
difference in OS between the two treatment arms. The median OS was 30.8 months (95% CI; 25.2-36.5 
months) for the bortezomib monotherapy patients and 33.0 months (95% CI; 28.9-37.1 months) for the 
bortezomib plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combination therapy patients.

Bortezomib combination treatment with dexamethasone
In the absence of any direct comparison between bortezomib and bortezomib in combination with
dexamethasone in patients with progressive multiple myeloma, a statistical matched-pair analysis was
conducted to compare results from the non randomised arm of bortezomib in combination with
dexamethasone (Phase II open-label study MMY-2045), with results obtained in the bortezomib 
monotherapy arms from different Phase III randomised studies (M34101-039 [APEX] and DOXIL
MMY-3001) in the same indication.
The matched-pair analysis is a statistical method in which patients in the treatment group (e.g. bortezomib 
in combination with dexamethasone) and patients in the comparison group (e.g. bortezomib) are made 
comparable with respect to confounding factors by individually pairing study subjects. This minimises the 
effects of observed confounders when estimating treatment effects using non-randomised data.
One hundred and twenty seven matched pairs of patients were identified. The analysis demonstrated 
improved ORR (CR+PR) (odds ratio 3.769; 95% CI 2.045-6.947; p < 0.001), PFS (hazard ratio 0.511;95% 
CI 0.309-0.845; p=0.008), TTP (hazard ratio 0.385; 95% CI 0.212-0.698; p=0.001) for bortezomib in 
combination with dexamethasone over bortezomib monotherapy.

Limited information on bortezomib retreatment in relapsed multiple myeloma is available.
Phase II study MMY-2036 (RETRIEVE), single arm, open-label study was conducted to determine the 
efficacy and safety of retreatment with bortezomib. One hundred and thirty patients (≥ 18 years of age) 
with multiple myeloma who previously had at least partial response on a bortezomib -containing regimen 
were retreated upon progression. At least 6 months after prior therapy, bortezomib was started at the last 
tolerated dose of 1.3 mg/m2 (n=93) or ≤ 1.0 mg/m2 (n=37) and given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 every 3 weeks 
for maximum of 8 cycles either as single agent or in combination with dexamethasone in accordance with 
the standard of care. Dexamethasone was administered in combination with bortezomib to 83 patients in 
Cycle 1 with an additional 11 patients receiving dexamethasone during the course of bortezomib 
retreatment cycles.

The primary endpoint was best confirmed response to retreatment as assessed by EBMT criteria. The 
overall best response rate (CR + PR), to retreatment in 130 patients was 38.5% (95% CI: 30.1, 47.4).

Clinical efficacy in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Study LYM-3002 was a Phase III, randomised, open-label study comparing the efficacy and safety of the 
combination of bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (BR-CAP; 



32

n=243) to that of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP; 
n=244) in adult patients with previously untreated MCL (Stage II, III or IV). Patients in the BR-CAP 
treatment arm received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2; on days 1, 4, 8, 11, rest period days 12-21), rituximab 
375 mg/m2 IV on day 1; cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 IV on day 1; doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 IV on day 1; 
and prednisone 100 mg/m2 orally on day 1 through day 5 of the 21 day bortezomib treatment cycle. For 
patients with a response first documented at cycle 6, two additional treatment cycles were given.
The primary efficacy endpoint was progression-free survival based on Independent Review Committee 
(IRC) assessment. Secondary endpoints included, time to progression (TTP), time to next anti-lymphoma 
treatment (TNT), duration of treatment free interval (TFI), overall response rate (ORR) and complete 
response (CR/CRu) rate, overall survival (OS) and response duration.

The demographic and baseline disease characteristics were generally well balanced between the two 
treatment arms: median patient age was 66 years, 74% were male, 66% were Caucasian and 32% Asian, 
69% of patients had a positive bone marrow aspirate and/or a positive bone marrow biopsy for MCL, 54% 
of patients had an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of ≥ 3, and 76% had Stage IV disease. 
Treatment duration (median=17 weeks) and duration of follow-up (median=40 months) were comparable 
in both treatment arms. A median of 6 cycles was received by patients in both treatment arms with 14% of 
subjects in the BR-CAP group and 17% of patients in the R-CHOP group receiving 2 additional cycles. 
The majority of the patients in both groups completed treatment, 80% in the BR-CAP group and 82% in 
the R-CHOP group. Efficacy results are presented in Table 16:

Table 16: Efficacy results from study LYM-3002

Efficacy endpoint BR-CAP R-CHOP

n: ITT patients 243 244

Progression free survival (IRC)a

Events n (%) 133 (54.7%) 165 (67.6%) HRb (95% CI)=0.63 
(0.50; 0.79)

p-valued < 0.001
Medianc (95% CI) 
(months)

24.7 (19.8; 31.8) 14.4 (12; 16.9)

Response rate

n: response-evaluable 
patients

229 228

Overall complete 
response 
(CR+CRu)f n(%)

122 (53.3%) 95 (41.7%) ORe (95% CI)=1.688 
(1.148; 2.481)
p-valueg=0.007

Overall response 
(CR+CRu+PR)h n(%)

211 (92.1%) 204 (89.5%) ORe (95% CI)=1.428 
(0.749; 2.722)
p-valueg=0.275

a Based on Independent Review Committee (IRC) assessment (radiological data only).
b Hazard ratio estimate is based on a Cox's model stratified by IPI risk and stage of disease. A hazard ratio < 1 

indicates an advantage for BR-CAP.
c Based on Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates.
d Based on Log rank test stratified with IPI risk and stage of disease.
e Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the common odds ratio for stratified tables is used, with IPI risk and stage of 

disease as stratification factors. An odds ratio (OR) > 1 indicates an advantage for BR-CAP.
f Include all CR+CRu, by IRC, bone marrow and LDH.
g P-value from the Cochran Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test, with IPI and stage of disease as stratification 

factors.
h Include all radiological CR+CRu+PR by IRC regardless the verification by bone marrow and LDH.
CR=Complete Response; CRu=Complete Response unconfirmed; PR=Partial Response; CI=Confidence Interval, 
HR=Hazard Ratio; OR=Odds Ratio; ITT=Intent to Treat



33

Median PFS by investigator assessment was 30.7 months in the BR-CAP group and 16.1 months in the R-
CHOP group (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.51; p < 0.001). A statistically significant benefit (p < 0.001) in favour 
of the BR-CAP treatment group over the R-CHOP group was observed for TTP (median 30.5 versus 16.1 
months), TNT (median 44.5 versus 24.8 months) and TFI (median 40.6 versus 20.5 months). The median 
duration of complete response was 42.1 months in the BR-CAP group compared with 18 months in the R-
CHOP group. The duration of overall response was 21.4 months longer in the BR-CAP group (median 
36.5 months versus 15.1 months in the R-CHOP group). With a median duration of follow-up of 40 
months, median OS (56.3 months in the R-CHOP group, and not reached in the BR-CAP group) favoured 
the BR-CAP group, (estimated HR=0.80; p=0.173). There was a trend towards prolonged overall survival 
favouring the BR-CAP group; the estimated 4-year survival rate was 53.9% in the R-CHOP group and 
64.4% in the BR-CAP group.

Patients with previously treated light-chain (AL) Amyloidosis
An open label non randomised Phase I/II study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of
bortezomib in patients with previously treated light-chain (AL) Amyloidosis. No new safety concerns 
were observed during the study, and in particular bortezomib did not exacerbate target organ damage
(heart, kidney and liver). In an exploratory efficacy analysis, a 67.3% response rate (including a 28.6% CR 
rate) as measured by hematologic response (M-protein) was reported in 49 evaluable patients treated with 
the maximum allowed doses of 1.6 mg/m2 weekly and 1.3 mg/m2 twice-weekly. For these dose cohorts, 
the combined 1-year survival rate was 88.1%.

Paediatric population

A Phase II, single-arm activity, safety, and pharmacokinetic trial conducted by the Children’s Oncology 
Group assessed the activity of the addition of bortezomib to multi agent re induction chemotherapy in 
paediatric and young adult patients with lymphoid malignancies (pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia 
[ALL], T-cell ALL, and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma [LL]). An effective reinduction multiagent 
chemotherapy regimen was administered in 3 blocks. Bortezomib was administered only in Blocks 1 and 
2 to avoid potential overlapping toxicities with coadministered medicinal product in Block 3.

Complete response (CR) was evaluated at the end of Block 1. In B-ALL patients with relapse within 18 
months of diagnosis (n = 27) the CR rate was 67% (95% CI: 46, 84); the 4-month event free survival rate 
was 44% (95% CI: 26, 62). In B-ALL patients with relapse 18-36 months from diagnosis (n = 33) the CR 
rate was 79% (95% CI: 61, 91) and the 4-month event free survival rate was 73% (95% CI: 54, 85). The 
CR rate in first-relapsed T-cell ALL patients (n = 22) was 68% (95% CI: 45, 86) and the 4-month event 
free survival rate was 67% (95% CI: 42, 83). The reported efficacy data are considered inconclusive (see 
section 4.2).

There were 140 patients with ALL or LL enrolled and evaluated for safety; median age was 10 years 
(range 1 to 26). No new safety concerns were observed when bortezomib was added to the standard 
paediatric pre B cell ALL chemotherapy backbone. The following adverse reactions (Grade ≥ 3) were 
observed at a higher incidence in the bortezomib containing treatment regimen as compared with a 
historical control study in which the backbone regimen was given alone: in Block 1 peripheral sensory
neuropathy (3% versus 0%); ileus (2.1% versus 0%); hypoxia (8% versus 2%). No information on 
possible sequelae or rates of peripheral neuropathy resolution were available in this study. Higher 
incidences were also noted for infections with Grade ≥ 3 neutropenia (24% versus 19% in Block 1 and 
22% versus 11% in Block 2), increased ALT (17% versus 8% in Block 2), hypokalaemia (18% versus 6% 
in Block 1 and 21% versus 12% in Block 2) and hyponatraemia (12% versus 5% in Block 1 and 4% 
versus 0 in Block 2).



34

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing bortezomib in all subsets of the paediatric population in multiple 
myeloma and in mantle cell lymphoma (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption
Following intravenous bolus administration of a 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2 dose to 11 patients with 
multiple myeloma and creatinine clearance values greater than 50 ml/min, the mean first-dose maximum 
plasma concentrations of bortezomib were 57 and 112 ng/ml, respectively. In subsequent doses, mean 
maximum observed plasma concentrations ranged from 67 to 106 ng/ml for the 1.0 mg/m2 dose and 89 to 
120 ng/ml for the 1.3 mg/m2 dose.

Following an intravenous bolus or subcutaneous injection of a 1.3 mg/m2 dose to patients with multiple 
myeloma (n=14 in the intravenous group, n=17 in the subcutaneous group), the total systemic exposure 
after repeat dose administration (AUClast) was equivalent for subcutaneous and intravenous
administrations. The Cmax after subcutaneous administration (20.4 ng/ml) was lower than intravenous
(223 ng/ml). The AUClast- geometric mean ratio was 0.99 and 90% confidence intervals were
80.18%-122.80%.

Distribution
The mean distribution volume (Vd) of bortezomib ranged from 1,659 l to 3,294 l following single- or
repeated-dose intravenous administration of 1.0 mg/m2 or 1.3 mg/m2 to patients with multiple myeloma. 
This suggests that bortezomib distributes widely to peripheral tissues. Over a bortezomib concentration 
range of 0.01 to 1.0 μg/ml, the in vitro protein binding averaged 82.9% in human plasma. The fraction of 
bortezomib bound to plasma proteins was not concentration-dependent.

Biotransformation
In vitro studies with human liver microsomes and human cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 isozymes
indicate that bortezomib is primarily oxidatively metabolised via cytochrome P450 enzymes, 3A4, 2C19, 
and 1A2. The major metabolic pathway is deboronation to form two deboronated metabolites that 
subsequently undergo hydroxylation to several metabolites. Deboronated-bortezomib metabolites are 
inactive as 26S proteasome inhibitors.

Elimination
The mean elimination half-life (t1/2) of bortezomib upon multiple dosing ranged from 40-193 hours.
Bortezomib is eliminated more rapidly following the first dose compared to subsequent doses. Mean total 
body clearances were 102 and 112 l/h following the first dose for doses of 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2, 
respectively, and ranged from 15 to 32 l/h and 18 to 32 l/h following subsequent doses for doses of 
1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2, respectively.

Special populations
Hepatic impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of bortezomib was assessed in a Phase I study 
during the first treatment cycle, including 61 patients primarily with solid tumors and varying degrees of 
hepatic impairment at bortezomib doses ranging from 0.5 to 1.3 mg/m2.

When compared to patients with normal hepatic function, mild hepatic impairment did not alter
dose-normalised bortezomib AUC. However, the dose-normalised mean AUC values were increased by 
approximately 60% in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. A lower starting dose is 
recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment, and those patients should be
closely monitored (see section 4.2, Table 6).



35

Renal impairment
A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in patients with various degrees of renal impairment who were
classified according to their creatinine clearance values (CrCL) into the following groups: Normal 
(CrCL ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=12), Mild (CrCL = 40-59 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=10), Moderate (CrCL = 20-
39 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=9), and Severe (CrCL < 20 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=3). A group of dialysis patients who 
were dosed after dialysis was also included in the study (n=8). Patients were administered intravenous 
doses of 0.7 to 1.3 mg/m2 of bortezomib twice weekly. Exposure of bortezomib (dose-normalised AUC 
and Cmax) was comparable among all the groups (see section 4.2).

Age
The pharmacokinetics of bortezomib were characterized following twice weekly intravenous bolus
administration of 1.3 mg/m2 doses to 104 paediatric patients (2-16 years old) with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis,
clearance of bortezomib increased with increasing body surface area (BSA). Geometric mean (%CV)
clearance was 7.79 (25%) L/hr/m2, volume of distribution at steady-state was 834 (39%) L/m2, and the
elimination half-life was 100 (44%) hours. After correcting for the BSA effect, other demographics such 
as age, body weight and sex did not have clinically significant effects on bortezomib clearance. 
BSA-normalized clearance of bortezomib in paediatric patients was similar to that observed in adults.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Bortezomib was positive for clastogenic activity (structural chromosomal aberrations) in the in vitro
chromosomal aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells at concentrations as low as 
3.125 μg/ml, which was the lowest concentration evaluated. Bortezomib was not genotoxic when tested in 
the in vitro mutagenicity assay (Ames assay) and in vivo micronucleus assay in mice.

Developmental toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit have shown embryo-fetal lethality at maternally toxic 
doses, but no direct embryo-foetal toxicity below maternally toxic doses. Fertility studies were not 
performed but evaluation of reproductive tissues has been performed in the general toxicity studies. In the 
6-month rat study, degenerative effects in both the testes and the ovary have been observed. It is, 
therefore, likely that bortezomib could have a potential effect on either male or female fertility. Peri- and 
postnatal development studies were not conducted.

In multi-cycle general toxicity studies conducted in the rat and monkey, the principal target organs
included the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhoea; haematopoietic and lymphatic 
tissues, resulting in peripheral blood cytopenias, lymphoid tissue atrophy and haematopoietic bone 
marrow hypocellularity; peripheral neuropathy (observed in monkeys, mice and dogs) involving sensory 
nerve axons; and mild changes in the kidneys. All these target organs have shown partial to full recovery 
following discontinuation of treatment.

Based on animal studies, the penetration of bortezomib through the blood-brain barrier appears to be
limited, if any and the relevance to humans is unknown.

Cardiovascular safety pharmacology studies in monkeys and dogs show that intravenous doses
approximately two to three times the recommended clinical dose on a mg/m2 basis are associated with
increases in heart rate, decreases in contractility, hypotension and death. In dogs, the decreased cardiac
contractility and hypotension responded to acute intervention with positive inotropic or pressor agents.
Moreover, in dog studies, a slight increase in the corrected QT interval was observed.



36

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Mannitol (E421)

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in 
section 6.6.

6.3 Shelf life

Unopened vial
3 years.

Reconstituted solution
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. If not used immediately, in-use 
storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user. However, the chemical and 
physical in-use stability of the reconstituted solution has been demonstrated for 8 hours at 5°C and 25°C 
stored in the original vial and/or a syringe. The total storage time for the reconstituted medicinal product 
should not exceed 8 hours prior to administration.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions after reconstitution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Type I glass 5 ml siliconised vial with a rubber stopper and an aluminium seal containing 1 mg 
bortezomib.

Type I glass 10 ml vial with a rubber stopper and an aluminium seal containing 2.5 mg, 3 mg or 3.5 mg
bortezomib.

Each pack contains 1 single-use vial.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

General precautions
Bortezomib is a cytotoxic agent. Therefore, caution should be used during handling and preparation of 
Bortezomib Hospira. Use of gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.

Aseptic technique must be strictly observed throughout the handling of Bortezomib Hospira, since it 
contains no preservative.



37

There have been fatal cases of inadvertent intrathecal administration of Bortezomib Hospira. Bortezomib 
Hospira is for intravenous or subcutaneous use. Bortezomib Hospira should not be administered
intrathecally.

Instructions for reconstitution
Bortezomib Hospira must be reconstituted by a healthcare professional.

Intravenous injection
Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 5 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully 
reconstituted with 1 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of the 
appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is completed in 
less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 1 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully 
reconstituted with 2.5 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 1 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully 
reconstituted with 3 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of the 
appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is completed in 
less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 1 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully 
reconstituted with 3.5 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 1 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7.The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.



38

Subcutaneous injection
Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 5 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully 
reconstituted with 0.4 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 2.5 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully
reconstituted with 1 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of the 
appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is completed in 
less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 2.5 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully
reconstituted with 1.2 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 2.5 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each 10 ml vial of Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection must be carefully
reconstituted with 1.4 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size, without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

After reconstitution, each ml solution contains 2.5 mg bortezomib. The reconstituted solution is clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. The reconstituted solution must be inspected visually for particulate 
matter and discolouration prior to administration. If any discolouration or particulate matter is observed, 
the reconstituted solution must be discarded.

Disposal
Bortezomib Hospira is for single use only. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be 
disposed of in accordance with local requirements.



39

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER

EU/1/16/1114/001
EU/1/16/1114/002
EU/1/16/1114/003
EU/1/16/1114/004

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 25 July 2016

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.



40

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 
AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE 
SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

  



41

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release
Hospira UK Ltd.
Horizon, Honey Lane
Hurley, SL66RJ
United Kingdom

Pfizer Service Company BVBA, 
Hoge Wei 10, 
1930 Zaventem, 
Belgium

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the manufacturer 
responsible for the release of the concerned batch.

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (See Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2).

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic Safety Update Reports

The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set out in 
the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC 
and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 
USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

 Risk Management Plan (RMP)

The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the agreed 
RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the 
RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted:
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency.
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information being 

received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of an important 
(pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached



42

 Additional risk minimisation measures

In each Member State, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) shall agree the content and format of 
the educational material with the national competent authority.
The MAH shall ensure that all healthcare professionals involved in the prescribing, dispensing, handling 
or administration of Bortezomib Hospira is provided with educational material.

The educational material shall consist of the following:
 SmPC
 Reconstitution, dosing and administration booklet
 Reconstitution poster
 Dosing Slide Rule
 Induction Transplant Regimens Graph.

The Reconstitution, dosing and administration booklet shall contain the following key elements:
 Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg and 3.5 mg can be administered both intravenously and 

subcutaneously 
 different reconstitution requirements for intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) use
 dosing instructions and examples: how to calculate the body surface area of a patient and the

volume of reconstituted Bortezomib Hospira (both IV and SC use) required for different body 
surface areas (cross reference to Dosing Slide Rule)

 advice on method of administration for both IV and SC use, including the need to rotate injection 
sites for SC use

 storage precautions for reconstituted solution
 potential risks of administration errors including overdosing, underdosing and that inadvertent

intrathecal administration has resulted in death
 to report any adverse event, or medication error experienced with the administration of Bortezomib 

Hospira 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg and 3.5 mg.

The Reconstitution poster shall contain the following key elements:
 different reconstitution requirements for Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg and 3.5 mg IV or 

SC use
 need to handling the medicinal product in sterile setting
 storage precautions for reconstituted solution
 advice on how to reduce the risk of mix-up of IV and SC reconstituted syringes
 that Bortezomib Hospira is to be given only by IV or SC injections; no other route of administration 

is allowed
 to report any adverse event, or medication error experienced with the administration of Bortezomib 

Hospira 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg and 3.5 mg.

Dosing Slide Rule shall contain the following key elements:
 a dose-calculation tool that enables prescribers to input a patient’s height and weight in order to

calculate the body surface area (BSA) and thereby to determine the appropriate Bortezomib 
Hospira dose.

 different reconstitution requirements for intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) use
 dosing instructions and examples: how to calculate the body surface area of a patient and the

volume of reconstituted Bortezomib Hospira (both IV and SC use) required for different body 
surface areas.



43

Induction Transplant Regimens Graph shall contain the following key elements:
 instructions for prescribing and administration including the cycles’ length and number of cycles, to 

minimise the risk of medication and dispensing errors potentially induced by the existence of the 
two different bortezomib combination regimens in the Transplant Induction Setting (Bortezomib 
plus dexamethasone, and Bortezomib plus dexamethasone and thalidomide).

 to remind that patients receiving Bortezomib Hospira in combination with thalidomide should 
adhere to the pregnancy prevention programme of thalidomide, with reference to the SmPC of
thalidomide for additional information.



44

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET



45

A. LABELLING



46

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

Outer Carton

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 1 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Mannitol (E421)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for solution for injection

1 vial 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Subcutaneous or Intravenous use only.
For single use only.
May be fatal if given by other routes

Subcutaneous use: Add 0.4 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 1 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF 
THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

CYTOTOXIC. Special handling instructions.



47

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR 
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/16/1114/004

13. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted.

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.



48

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:
NN:



49

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

Outer Carton

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 2.5 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Mannitol (E421)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for solution for injection

1 vial 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Subcutaneous or Intravenous use only.
For single use only.
May be fatal if given by other routes

Subcutaneous use: Add 1 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 2.5 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF 
THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

CYTOTOXIC. Special handling instructions.



50

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR 
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/16/1114/002

13. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted.

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.



51

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:
NN:



52

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

Outer Carton

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 3 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Mannitol (E421)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for solution for injection

1 vial 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Subcutaneous or Intravenous use only.
For single use only.
May be fatal if given by other routes

Subcutaneous use: Add 1.2 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 3 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF 
THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

CYTOTOXIC. Special handling instructions.



53

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR 
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/16/1114/003

13. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted.

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE



54

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:
NN:



55

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

Outer Carton

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 3.5 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Mannitol (E421)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for solution for injection

1 vial 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Subcutaneous or Intravenous use only.
For single use only.
May be fatal if given by other routes

Subcutaneous use: Add 1.4 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 3.5 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF 
THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

CYTOTOXIC. Special handling instructions.



56

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR 
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/16/1114/001

13. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted.

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.



57

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:
NN:



58

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib
SC or IV use only.

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

May be fatal if given by other routes

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

1 mg

6. OTHER

For single use only

Subcutaneous use: Add 0.4 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 1 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Peel here



59

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib
SC or IV use only.

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

May be fatal if given by other routes

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

2.5 mg

6. OTHER

For single use only

Subcutaneous use: Add 1 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 2.5 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Peel here



60

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib
SC or IV use only.

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

May be fatal if given by other routes

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

3 mg

6. OTHER

For single use only

Subcutaneous use: Add 1.2 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 3 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Peel here



61

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib
SC or IV use only.

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

May be fatal if given by other routes

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

BN:

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

3.5 mg

6. OTHER

For single use only

Subcutaneous use: Add 1.4 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 2.5 mg/ml final concentration.
Intravenous use: Add 3.5 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride to make 1 mg/ml final concentration.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Peel here



62

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET



63

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
bortezomib

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important 
information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any side effects not 

listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet

1. What Bortezomib Hospira is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Bortezomib Hospira
3. How to use Bortezomib Hospira
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Bortezomib Hospira
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Bortezomib Hospira is and what it is used for

Bortezomib Hospira contains the active substance bortezomib, a so-called ‘proteasome inhibitor’. 
Proteasomes play an important role in controlling cell function and growth. By interfering with their 
function, bortezomib can kill cancer cells.

Bortezomib is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (a cancer of the bone marrow) in patients older 
than 18 years:
- alone or together with the medicines pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or dexamethasone, for 

patients whose disease is worsening (progressive) after receiving at least one prior treatment and for 
whom blood stem cell transplantation was not successful or is unsuitable.

- in combination with the medicines melphalan and prednisone, for patients whose disease has not 
been previously treated and are unsuitable for high-dose chemotherapy with blood stem cell 
transplantation.

 in combination with the medicines dexamethasone or dexamethasone together with thalidomide, for 
patients whose disease has not been previously treated and before receiving high-dose chemotherapy 
with blood stem cell transplantation (induction treatment).

Bortezomib is used for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (a type of cancer affecting the lymph 
nodes) in patients 18 years or older in combination with the medicines rituximab, cyclophosphamide, 
doxorubicin and prednisone, for patients whose disease has not been previously treated and for whom 
blood stem cell transplantation is unsuitable.



64

2. What you need to know before you use Bortezomib Hospira

Do not use Bortezomib Hospira
- if you are allergic to bortezomib, boron or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6)
- if you have certain severe lung or heart problems.

Warnings and precautions
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
 low numbers of red or white blood cells
 bleeding problems and/or low number of platelets in your blood
 diarrhoea, constipation, nausea or vomiting
 fainting, dizziness or light-headedness in the past
 kidney problems
 moderate to severe liver problems
 numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet (neuropathy) in the past
 heart or blood pressure problems
 shortness of breath or cough
 seizures
 shingles (localised including around the eyes or spread across the body)
 symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome such as muscle cramping, muscle weakness, confusion, visual 

loss or disturbances and shortness of breath
 memory loss, trouble thinking, difficulty with walking or loss of vision. These may be signs of a 

serious brain infection and your doctor may suggest further testing and follow-up.

You will have to take regular blood tests before and during your treatment with Bortezomib Hospira, to 
check your blood cell counts regularly.

If you have mantle cell lymphoma and are given the medicine rituximab with bortezomib you should tell 
your doctor: 
 if you think you have hepatitis infection now or have had it in the past. In a few cases, patients who 

have had hepatitis B might have a repeated attack of hepatitis, which can be fatal. If you have a 
history of hepatitis B infection you will be carefully checked by your doctor for signs of active 
hepatitis B.

You must read the package leaflets of all medicinal products to be taken in combination with Bortezomib 
Hospira for information related to these medicines before starting treatment with Bortezomib Hospira.
When thalidomide is used, particular attention to pregnancy testing and prevention requirements is needed 
(see Pregnancy and breast-feeding in this section).

Children and adolescents
Bortezomib should not be used in children and adolescents because it is not known how the medicine will 
affect them.

Other medicines and Bortezomib Hospira
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor if you are using medicines containing any of the following active substances:
 ketoconazole, used to treat fungal infections 
 ritonavir, used to treat HIV infection
 rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections



65

 carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital used to treat epilepsy
 St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), used for depression or other conditions
 oral antidiabetics

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You should not use bortezomib if you are pregnant, unless clearly necessary.

Both men and women receiving bortezomib must use effective contraception during and for up to 
3 months after treatment. If, despite these measures, pregnancy occurs, tell your doctor immediately.

You should not breast-feed while using bortezomib. Discuss with your doctor when it is safe to restart
breast-feeding after finishing your treatment.

Thalidomide causes birth defects and foetal death. When bortezomib is given in combination with 
thalidomide you must follow the pregnancy prevention programme for thalidomide (see package leaflet 
for thalidomide).

Driving and using machines
Bortezomib might cause tiredness, dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate tools or 
machines if you experience such side effects; even if you do not, you should still be cautious.

3. How to use Bortezomib Hospira

Your doctor will work out your dose of bortezomib according to your height and weight (body surface 
area). The usual starting dose of bortezomib is 1.3 mg/m2 body surface area twice a week.
Your doctor may change the dose and total number of treatment cycles, depending on your response to the 
treatment on the occurrence of certain side effects and on your underlying conditions (e.g. liver problems).

Progressive multiple myeloma
When bortezomib is given alone, you will receive 4 doses of bortezomib intravenously or subcutaneously 
on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, followed by a 10-day ‘rest period’ without treatment. This 21-day period (3 weeks) 
corresponds to one treatment cycle. You might receive up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).

You may also be given bortezomib together with the medicines pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or 
dexamethasone.

When bortezomib is given together with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, you will receive bortezomib 
intravenously or subcutaneously as a 21-day treatment cycle and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 
30 mg/m2 is given on day 4 of the bortezomib 21-day treatment cycle as an intravenous infusion after the 
bortezomib injection.
You might receive up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).

When bortezomib is given together with dexamethasone, you will receive bortezomib intravenously or 
subcutaneously as a 21-day treatment cycle and dexamethasone 20 mg is given orally on days 
1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12, of the bortezomib, 21-day treatment cycle.
You might receive up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).



66

Previously untreated multiple myeloma
If you have not been treated before for multiple myeloma, and you are not suitable for blood stem cell 
transplantation you will receive bortezomib intravenously or subcutaneously together with two other 
medicines; melphalan and prednisone.
In this case, the duration of a treatment cycle is 42 days (6 weeks). You will receive 9 cycles (54 weeks).
 In cycles 1 to 4, bortezomib is administered twice weekly on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32.
 In cycles 5 to 9, bortezomib is administered once weekly on days 1, 8, 22 and 29.

Melphalan (9 mg/m2) and prednisone (60 mg/m2) are both given orally on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the first 
week of each cycle.

If you have not been treated before for multiple myeloma, and you are suitable for blood stem cell 
transplantation you will receive bortezomib intravenously or subcutaneously together with the medicines 
dexamethasone, or dexamethasone and thalidomide, as induction treatment.

When bortezomib is given together with dexamethasone, you will receive bortezomib intravenously or 
subcutaneously as a 21-day treatment cycle and dexamethasone 40 mg is given orally on days 
1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Bortezomib 21-day treatment cycle.
You will receive 4 cycles (12 weeks).

When bortezomib is given together with thalidomide and dexamethasone, the duration of a treatment cycle 
is 28 days (4 weeks).
Dexamethasone 40 mg is given orally on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the bortezomib 28-day 
treatment cycle and thalidomide is given orally daily at 50 mg up to day 14 of the first cycle, and if 
tolerated the thalidomide dose is increased to 100 mg on days 15-28 and may be further increased to 
200 mg daily from the second cycle onwards.
You might receive up to 6 cycles (24 weeks).

Previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma 
If you have not been treated before for mantle cell lymphoma, you will receive bortezomib intravenously 
or subcutaneously together with the medicines rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone. 
Bortezomib is given intravenously or subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, followed by a ‘rest period’ 
without treatment. The duration of a treatment cycle is 21 days (3 weeks). You might receive up to 8 
cycles (24 weeks). 
The following medicinal products are given on day 1 of each bortezomib 21-day treatment cycle as 
intravenous infusions: 
Rituximab at 375 mg/m2 , cyclophosphamide at 750 mg/m2 and doxorubicin at 50 mg/m2. Prednisone is 
given orally at 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the bortezomib treatment cycle.

How Bortezomib Hospira is given
This medicine is for intravenous or subcutaneous use only. Bortezomib will be administered by a health 
care professional experienced in the use of cytotoxic medicines.
Bortezomib powder has to be dissolved before administration. This will be done by a healthcare 
professional. The resulting solution is then either injected into a vein or under the skin. Injection into a 
vein is rapid, taking 3 to 5 seconds. Injection under the skin is in either the thighs or the abdomen.

If you are given too much Bortezomib Hospira
As this medicine is being given by your doctor or nurse, it is unlikely that you will be given too much. In 
the unlikely event of an overdose, your doctor will monitor you for side effects.



67

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of these 
effects may be serious.

If you are given bortezomib for multiple myeloma or mantle cell lymphoma, tell your doctor straight away 
if you notice any of the following symptoms: 
- muscle cramping, muscle weakness
- confusion, visual loss or disturbances, blindness, seizures, headaches
- shortness of breath, swelling of your feet or changes in your heart beat, high blood pressure, 

tiredness, fainting
- coughing and breathing difficulties or tightness in the chest.

Treatment with bortezomib can very commonly cause a decrease in the numbers of red and white blood 
cells and platelets in your blood. Therefore, you will have to take regular blood tests before and during 
your treatment with bortezomib, to check your blood cell counts regularly. You may experience a 
reduction in the number of:
- platelets, which may make you be more prone to bruising, or to bleeding without obvious injury 

(e.g., bleeding from your bowels, stomach, mouth and gum or bleeding in the brain or bleeding 
from the liver)

- red blood cells, which can cause anaemia, with symptoms such as tiredness and paleness
- white blood cells may make you more prone to infections or flu-like symptoms.

If you are given Bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma the side effects you may get are 
listed below:

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
 Sensitivity, numbness, tingling or burning sensation of the skin, or pain in the hands or feet, due to 

nerve damage
 Reduction in the number of red blood cells and or white blood cells (see above)
 Fever
 Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting, loss of appetite
 Constipation with or without bloating (can be severe)
 Diarrhoea: if this happens, it is important that you drink more water than usual. Your doctor may give 

you another medicine to control diarrhoea
 Tiredness (fatigue), feeling weak
 Muscle pain, bone pain

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
 Low blood pressure, sudden fall of blood pressure on standing which may lead to fainting
 High blood pressure
 Reduced functioning of your kidneys
 Headache
 General ill feeling, pain, vertigo, light-headedness, a feeling of weakness or loss of

consciousness
 Shivering
 Infections, including pneumonia, respiratory infections, bronchitis, fungal infections, coughing

with phlegm, flu like illness
 Shingles (localised including around the eyes or spread across the body)
 Chest pains or shortness of breath with exercise



68

 Different types of rash
 Itching of the skin, lumps on the skin or dry skin
 Facial blushing or tiny broken capillaries
 Redness of the skin
 Dehydration
 Heartburn, bloating, belching, wind, stomach pain, bleeding from your bowels or stomach
 Alteration of liver functioning
 A sore mouth or lip, dry mouth, mouth ulcers or throat pain
 Weight loss, loss of taste
 Muscle cramps, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, pain in your limbs
 Blurred vision
 Infection of the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids (conjunctivitis)
 Nose bleeds
 Difficulty or problems in sleeping, sweating, anxiety, mood swings, depressed mood,

restlessness or agitation, changes in your mental status, disorientation
 Swelling of body, to include around eyes and other parts of the body

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
 Heart failure, heart attack, chest pain, chest discomfort, increased or reduced heart rate
 Failing of your kidneys
 Inflammation of a vein, blood clots in your veins and lungs
 Problems with blood clotting
 Insufficient circulation
 Inflammation of the lining around your heart or fluid around your heart
 Infections including urinary tract infections, the flu, herpes virus infections, ear infection and 

cellulitis
 Bloody stools, or bleeding from mucosal membranes, e.g., mouth, vagina
 Cerebrovascular disorders
 Paralysis, seizures, falling, movement disorders, abnormal or change in, or reduced sensation 

(feeling, hearing, tasting, smelling), attention disturbance, trembling, twitching
 Arthritis, including inflammation of the joints in the fingers, toes, and the jaw
 Disorders that affect your lungs, preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. Some of these 

include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath without exercise, breathing that 
becomes shallow, difficult or stops, wheezing

 Hiccups, speech disorders
 Increased or decreased urine production (due to kidney damage), painful passing of urine or

blood/proteins in the urine, fluid retention
 Altered levels of consciousness, confusion, memory impairment or loss
 Hypersensitivity
 Hearing loss, deafness or ringing in the ears, ear discomfort
 Hormone abnormality which may affect salt and water absorption
 Overactive thyroid gland
 Inability to produce enough insulin or resistance to normal levels of insulin
 Irritated or inflamed eyes, excessively wet eyes, painful eyes, dry eyes, eye infections, lump in the 

eyelid (chalazion) and red and swollen eyelids, discharge from the eyes, abnormal vision, bleeding of 
the eye

 Swelling of your lymph glands
 Joint or muscle stiffness, sense of heaviness, pain in your groin
 Hair loss and abnormal hair texture



69

 Allergic reactions
 Redness or pain at the injection site
 Mouth pain
 Infections or inflammation of the mouth, mouth ulcers, oesophagus, stomach and intestines,

sometimes associated with pain or bleeding, poor movement of the intestines (including blockage), 
abdominal or oesophageal discomfort, difficulty swallowing, vomiting of blood

 Skin infections
 Bacterial and viral infections
 Tooth infection
 Inflammation of the pancreas, obstruction of the bile duct
 Genital pain, problem having an erection
 Weight increase
 Thirst
 Hepatitis
 Injection site or injection device related disorders
 Skin reactions and disorders (which may be severe and life threatening), skin ulcers
 Bruises, falls and injuries
 Inflammation or haemorrhage of the blood vessels that can appear as small red or purple dots (usually 

on the legs) to large bruise-like patches under the skin or tissue
 Benign cysts
 A severe reversible brain condition which includes seizures, high blood pressure, headaches,

tiredness, confusion, blindness or other vision problems.

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
 Heart problems to include heart attack, angina
 Flushing
 Discolouration of the veins
 Inflammation of the spinal nerve
 Problems with your ear, bleeding from your ear
 Underactivity of your thyroid gland
 Budd–Chiari syndrome (the clinical symptoms caused by blockage of the hepatic veins)
 Changes in or abnormal bowel function
 Bleeding in the brain
 Yellow discolouration of eyes and skin (jaundice)
 Serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) signs of which may include difficulty breathing, chest 

pain or chest tightness, and/or feeling dizzy/faint, severe itching of the skin or raised lumps on the 
skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and /or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing, 
collapse

 Breast disorders
 Vaginal tears
 Genital swelling
 Inability to tolerate alcohol consumption
 Wasting, or loss of body mass
 Increased appetite
 Fistula
 Joint effusion
 Cysts in the lining of joints (synovial cysts)
 Fracture
 Breakdown of muscle fibers leading to other complications



70

 Swelling of the liver, bleeding from the liver
 Cancer of the kidney
 Psoriasis like skin condition
 Cancer of the skin
 Paleness of the skin
 Increase of platelets or plasma cells (a type of white cell) in the blood
 Blood clot in small blood vessels (thrombotic microangiopathy)
 Abnormal reaction to blood transfusions
 Partial or total loss of vision
 Decreased sex drive
 Drooling
 Bulging eyes
 Sensitivity to light
 Rapid breathing
 Rectal pain
 Gallstones
 Hernia
 Injuries
 Brittle or weak nails
 Abnormal protein deposits in your vital organs
 Coma
 Intestinal ulcers
 Multi-organ failure
 Death

If you are given bortezomib together with other medicines for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma the 
side effects you may get are listed below: 

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) 
• Pneumonia 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sensitivity, numbness, tingling or burning sensation of the skin, or pain in the hands or feet, due to 

nerve damage 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Mouth ulcers 
• Constipation 
• Muscle pain, bone pain 
• Hair loss and abnormal hair texture 
• Tiredness, feeling weak
• Fever

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
• Shingles (localized including around the eyes or spread across the body) 
• Herpes virus infections 
• Bacterial and viral infections 
• Respiratory infections, bronchitis, coughing with phlegm, flu like illness 
• Fungal infections 
• Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) 
• Inability to produce enough insulin or resistance to normal levels of insulin 



71

• Fluid retention 
• Difficulty or problems in sleeping 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Altered level of consciousness, confusion 
• Feeling dizzy 
• Increased heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating, 
• Abnormal vision, blurred vision 
• Heart failure, heart attack, chest pain, chest discomfort, increased or reduced heart rate 
• High or low blood pressure 
• Sudden fall of blood pressure upon standing which may lead to fainting 
• Shortness of breath with exercise 
• Cough 
• Hiccups 
• Ringing in the ears, ear discomfort 
• Bleeding from your bowels or stomach 
• Heartburn 
• Stomach pain, bloating 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Infection or inflammation of the stomach and intestines 
• Stomach pain 
• Sore mouth or lip, throat pain 
• Alteration of liver function 
• Itching of skin 
• Redness of skin 
• Rash 
• Muscle spasms 
• Infection of the urinary tract 
• Pain in limbs 
• Swelling of body, to include eyes and other parts of the body 
• Shivering 
• Redness and pain at injection site 
• General ill feeling 
• Weight loss
• Weight increase 

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
• Hepatitis 
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction) signs of which may include difficulty breathing, chest 

pain or chest tightness, and/or feeling dizzy/faint, severe itching of the skin or raised lumps on the 
skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and /or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing, 
collapse 

• Movement disorders, paralysis, twitching 
• Vertigo 
• Hearing loss, deafness
• Disorders that affect your lungs, preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. Some of these 

include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath without exercise, breathing that 
becomes shallow, difficult or stops, wheezing 

• Blood clots in your lungs 
• Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Lump in the eyelid (chalazion), red and swollen eyelids



72

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Blood clot in small blood vessels (thrombotic microangiopathy)

Reporting of side effects
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell 
your doctor or pharmacist immediately. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 
system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 
safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Bortezomib Hospira

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the vial and the carton after EXP.

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

The reconstituted solution should be used immediately after preparation. If the reconstituted solution is not 
used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user. 
However, the reconstituted solution is stable for 8 hours at 5°C and 25°C stored in the original vial and/or 
a syringe, with a total storage time for the reconstituted medicine not exceeding 8 hours prior to 
administration.

Bortezomib Hospira is for single use only. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in 
accordance with local requirements.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Bortezomib Hospira contains

The active substance is bortezomib. 

Bortezomib Hospira 1 mg powder for solution for injection
Each vial contains 1 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 2.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each vial contains 2.5 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 3 mg powder for solution for injection
Each vial contains 3 mg bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Bortezomib Hospira 3.5 mg powder for solution for injection
Each vial contains 3.5 mg of bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic ester).

Intravenous reconstitution:
After reconstitution, 1 ml of solution for intravenous injection contains 1 mg bortezomib.

Subcutaneous reconstitution:



73

After reconstitution, 1 ml of solution for subcutaneous injection contains 2.5 mg bortezomib.

The other ingredient is mannitol (E421).

What Bortezomib Hospira looks like and contents of the pack
Bortezomib Hospira powder for solution for injection is a white to off-white cake or powder.

Each carton of 1 mg Bortezomib Hospira contains a glass 5 ml siliconised vial with a rubber stopper and 
an aluminium seal.

Each carton of 2.5 mg, 3 mg or 3.5 mg Bortezomib Hospira contains a glass 10 ml vial with a rubber 
stopper and an aluminium seal.

Marketing Authorisation Holder
Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium

Manufacturer
Hospira UK Ltd.
Horizon, Honey Lane
Hurley, SL66RJ
United Kingdom

Pfizer Service Company BVBA,
Hoge Wei 10,
1930 Zaventem,
Belgium

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing
Authorisation Holder.

AT

Pfizer Corporation Austria Ges.m.b.H. 

Tel: +43 (0)1 521 15-0

LV

Pfizer Luxembourg SARL filiāle Latvijā

Tel.: + 371 670 35 775

BE

Pfizer SA/NV

Tél/Tel: +32 2 554 62 11

LT

Pfizer Luxembourg SARL filialas Lietuvoje

Tel. + 370 52 51 4000

BG

Пфайзер Люксембург САРЛ, Клон България

Тел.: +359 2 970 4333

LU

Pfizer SA/NV

Tél/Tel: +32 2 554 62 11



74

CY 

Pharmaceutical Trading Co Ltd 

Τηλ: 24656165

HU

Pfizer Kft.

Tel: + 36 1 488 37 00

CZ

Pfizer, spol. s r.o.

Tel: +420-283-004-11

MT

Drugsales Ltd

Τel: +356 21 419 070/1/2

DK

Pfizer ApS

Tlf: + 45 44 20 11 00

NL 

Pfizer bv

Tel: +31 (0)10 406 43 01

DE 

Pfizer Pharma PFE GmbH

Tel:+ 49 (0)800 8535555

NO

Pfizer AS

Tlf: +47 67 52 61 00

EE

Pfizer Luxembourg SARL Eesti filiaal

Tel: +372 666 7500

PL

Pfizer Polska Sp. z o.o.

Tel: +48 22 335 61 00

EL

Pfizer ΕΛΛΑΣ A.E.

Τηλ.: +30 210 6785 800

PT 

Laboratórios Pfizer, Lda.

Tel: +351 21 423 55 00

ES 

Pfizer, S.L. 

Tel: +34 91 490 99 00

RO

Pfizer România S.R.L.

Tel: +40 (0)21 207 28 00

FR 

Pfizer

Tél: + 33 (0)1 58 07 34 40

SI

Pfizer Luxembourg SARL

Pfizer, podružnica za svetovanje s področja 

farmacevtske dejavnosti, Ljubljana

Tel: +386 (0)1 52 11 400

HR

Pfizer Croatia d.o.o.

Tel: +385 1 3908 777

SK

Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, organizačná zložka

Tel: +421–2–3355 5500

IE

Pfizer Healthcare Ireland

Tel: 1800 633 363 (toll free)

        +44 (0) 1304 616161

FI

Pfizer PFE Finland Oy

Puh/Tel: +358 (0)9 430 040



75

IS

Icepharma hf.

Sími: +354 540 8000

SE 

Pfizer AB 

Tel: +46 (0)8 550 520 00

IT 

Pfizer S.r.l.

Tel: +39 06 33 18 21

UK 

Hospira UK Limited 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1628 515500

This leaflet was last revised in MM/YYYY

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.

This leaflet is available in all EU/EEA languages on the European Medicines Agency website. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



76

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

1. RECONSTITUTION FOR INTRAVENOUS INJECTION

Note: Bortezomib Hospira is a cytotoxic agent. Therefore, caution should be used during handling and
preparation. Use of gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.

ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED THROUGHOUT HANDLING OF
BORTEZOMIB HOSPIRA SINCE NO PRESERVATIVE IS PRESENT.

1.1 Preparation of the 1 mg vial: carefully add 1 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 2.5 mg vial: carefully add 2.5 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 3 mg vial: carefully add 3 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 3.5 mg vial: carefully add 3.5 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

The concentration of the resulting solution will be 1 mg/ml. The solution will be clear and
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. You do not need to check the pH of the solution.

1.2 Before administration, visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discolouration. If any 
discolouration or particulate matter is observed, the solution should be discarded. Be sure that the 
correct dose is being given for the intravenous route of administration (1 mg/ml).

1.3 The reconstituted solution is preservative free and should be used immediately after preparation.
However, the chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 8 hours at 5°C and
25°C stored in the original vial and/or a syringe. The total storage time for the reconstituted 
medicinal product should not exceed 8 hours prior to administration. If the reconstituted solution is 
not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the
user.

It is not necessary to protect the reconstituted medicinal product from light.



77

2. ADMINISTRATION

 Once dissolved, withdraw the appropriate amount of the reconstituted solution according to calculated 
dose based upon the patient´s Body Surface Area.

 Confirm the dose and concentration in the syringe prior to use (check that the syringe is marked as 
intravenous administration).

 Inject the solution as a 3-5 second bolus intravenous injection through a peripheral or central
intravenous catheter into a vein.

 Flush the peripheral or intravenous catheter with sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride solution.

Bortezomib Hospira IS FOR SUBCUTANEOUS OR INTRAVENOUS USE. Do not give by other 
routes. Intrathecal administration has resulted in death.

3. DISPOSAL

A vial is for single use only and the remaining solution must be discarded.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.



78

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

The 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg and 3.5 mg vial can be administered subcutaneously, as described below.

1. RECONSTITUTION FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Note: Bortezomib Hospira is a cytotoxic agent. Therefore, caution should be used during handling and
preparation. Use of gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.

ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED THROUGHOUT HANDLING OF
BORTEZOMIB HOSPIRA SINCE NO PRESERVATIVE IS PRESENT.

1.1 Preparation of the 1 mg vial: carefully add 0.4 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 2.5 mg vial: carefully add 1 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 3 mg vial: carefully add 1.2 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes.

Preparation of the 3.5 mg vial: carefully add 1.4 ml of sterile, 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride 
solution for injection to the vial containing the Bortezomib Hospira powder by using a syringe of 
the appropriate size without removing the vial stopper. Dissolution of the lyophilised powder is 
completed in less than 2 minutes. 

The concentration of the resulting solution will be 2.5 mg/ml. The solution will be clear and 
colourless, with a final pH of 4 to 7. You do not need to check the pH of the solution.

1.2 Before administration, visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discolouration. If any 
discolouration or particulate matter is observed, the solution should be discarded. Be sure that the 
correct dose is being given for the subcutaneous route of administration (2.5 mg/ml).

1.3 The reconstituted product is preservative free and should be used immediately after preparation.
However, the chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 8 hours at 5°C and
25°C stored in the original vial and/or a syringe. The total storage time for the reconstituted 
medicinal product should not exceed 8 hours prior to administration. If the reconstituted solution is 
not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the 
user.

It is not necessary to protect the reconstituted medicinal product from light.



79

2. ADMINISTRATION

 Once dissolved, withdraw the appropriate amount of the reconstituted solution according to
calculated dose based upon the patient´s Body Surface Area.

 Confirm the dose and concentration in the syringe prior to use. (Check that the syringe is marked as 
subcutaneous administration.)

 Inject the solution subcutaneously, under a 45-90°angle.
 The reconstituted solution is administered subcutaneously through the thighs (right or left) or

abdomen (right or left).
 Injection sites should be rotated for successive injections.
 If local injection site reactions occur following Bortezomib Hospira injection subcutaneously, either a

less concentrated Bortezomib Hospira solution (1 mg/ml instead of 2.5 mg/ml) may be administered
subcutaneously or a switch to intravenous injection is recommended.

Bortezomib Hospira IS FOR SUBCUTANEOUS OR INTRAVENOUS USE. Do not give by other 
routes. Intrathecal administration has resulted in death.

3. DISPOSAL

A vial is for single use only and the remaining solution must be discarded.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETINGAUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVEUSE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET