Bortezomib Copay Assistance

How Assistance Works

Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience

1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification

Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®

We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
3. Prior Authorization

Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid

We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
5. Nursing Care Coordination

AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
6. Delivery Coordination

Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.

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What Is Bortezomib?

Bortezomib (brand name: Velcade) is an anti-cancer drug used to treat cancer conditions such as multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It is usually administered to people whose conditions have not improved after different treatment therapies.

The drug works by killing cancer cells. However, it is important to keep in mind that the drug does not cure any of these conditions. Instead, it only treats these conditions and helps put them into remission.

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How Does It Work?

Bortezomib belongs to a class of cancer drugs known as proteasome inhibitors. It restricts and prevents the growth of proteasomes in human cells.

Proteasomes exist in the cells, and their major function is to break down the protein the cell does not need. Thus, when you use proteasome inhibitors, it prevents the proteasomes from performing their function, and protein builds up in the cells, causing the cells to die.

In patients with multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, bortezomib targets the cancer cells because cancer cells are more sensitive to the effects of bortezomib. It prevents the proteasomes in these cells from performing their functions, leading to the death of the cancer cells.

Copay and Financial Assistance

AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families

Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding

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Drug Administration

Bortezomib is usually administered under the skin (subcutaneously) or into the bloodstream (intravenously). Subcutaneously, you can get the injection in your thigh or abdomen. Regardless of where you are getting the injection, you should change the injection site every time you get the injection to reduce pain and injury to the skin.

The drug is administered twice weekly for two weeks. After two weeks, there is a 13-day rest period, completing the three weeks of the cycle. You will have this treatment cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles.

If the levels of Serum M (a type of protein made by myeloma cells) in your body have been reduced, the treatment is working, and you will complete two more treatment cycles. You will continue eight more treatment cycles if the levels have not reduced significantly. However, cycles may vary for patients depending on the severity of their condition. Hence, your doctor will determine what is most suitable for you.

Bortezomib Side Effects

Some side effects associated with using bortezomib include:

Weakness
Constipation
Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Pain
Headache

In extreme cases, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting may get severe. You should contact your pharmacist or doctor whenever you experience severe side effects.

Another peculiar side effect you may experience after using the drug is tumor lysis syndrome. This side effect occurs due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells. To reduce the risk of this side effect, it’s advisable you drink lots of water and take additional recommended medications as directed.

Anemia is another side effect that you might experience with bortezomib. This is because the medication might decrease the number of red blood cells in the body. This side effect results in the body feeling tired and weak.

Finally, a rash is another side effect that comes with the use of this medication. However, the rash should not be serious and should go away quickly. Developing severe allergic reactions to bortezomib is rare and was not reported in the clinical studies carried out to test the efficacy of the medication. Thus, if you experience any severe allergic reaction, you should immediately contact your doctor or pharmacist.