Health Library

Carfilzomib (By injection)

Carfilzomib (kar-FILZ-oh-mib)

Treats multiple myeloma.

Brand Name(s):

Kyprolis

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for 10 to 30 minutes.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may also receive other medicines (including dexamethasone, antivirals) to help prevent unwanted reactions to the injection and decrease the risk of virus infection (including herpes zoster) reactivation.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how carfilzomib works. Tell your doctor if you are using melphalan, prednisone, birth control pills, or medicine that weakens the immune system.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (including patients on dialysis), liver disease, breathing or lung problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, nerve problems, or a history of heart attack or blood clots.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • New or worsening heart problems, including congestive heart failure, heart attack
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood clots, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism
  • Infusion reactions, which can be life-threatening
  • Serious bleeding problems
  • Liver problems
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (brain disorder)
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (serious brain infection)
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen. Drink plenty of liquids so you do not become dehydrated.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine lowers the number of certain blood cells, so you may bleed or bruise more easily. Be careful to avoid injuries.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Pain, redness, or swelling in your arm or leg
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet
• Seizures, headache, confusion, vision problems
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain, muscle spasms
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024