Stability of bortezomib reconstituted under clinical use conditions in original vials and polypropylene syringes at 4°C and room temperature

Purpose Bortezomib (Velcade) is an antineoplastic drug widely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. According to the manufacturer, once reconstituted, bortezomib is only stable for 8 h at 25°C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of reconstituted bortezomib stored in original vials and syringes at 4°C and 28°C, for up to 10 days. Methods Samples were prepared by dissolving 3.5 mg of bortezomib powder in 3.5 ml of physi-ological saline (final concentration 1 mg/ml) under routine clinical conditions. Samples were stored in vials or syringes at 4°C and 28°C with photopro-tection, and drug stability was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. results Bortezomib was stable in both original vials and syringes for up to 10 days at 4°C with photoprotection. Furthermore, it was stable for up to 8 days at 28°C in original vials with photopro-tection. conclusions Our results showed an extended stability of bortezomib prepared under routine clinical conditions and stored at 4°C, which could make an important contribution towards reducing drug waste and, consequently, improving cost efficiency.