Pronunciation: kar FILZ oh mib

Brand: Kyprolis

What is the most important information I should know about carfilzomib?

Carfilzomib can affect your heart or lungs. Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, pounding heartbeats, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion or while lying down), swelling of your hands or feet, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, feeling like you might pass out, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, or blue colored appearance of your lips and skin.

What is carfilzomib?


Carfilzomib is used to treat multiple myeloma.

Carfilzomib is usually given after at least two other cancer medications have been tried without success.

Carfilzomib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving carfilzomib?

You should not use carfilzomib if you are allergic to it.

To make sure carfilzomib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • heart disease; or
  • liver disease, or abnormal liver function tests.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use carfilzomib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with carfilzomib. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether carfilzomib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is carfilzomib given?


Carfilzomib is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will receive an injection only on certain days of this cycle.

Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive.

You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving carfilzomib. Drink plenty of liquids before and after your carfilzomib injections.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while receiving this medication.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while receiving carfilzomib?



This medication may cause you to feel light-headed or short of breath. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What are the possible side effects of carfilzomib?


Some side effects may occur within 24 hours after the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, light-headed, feverish, sweaty, or if you have joint or muscle pain, a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • shortness of breath (even with mild exertion or while lying down), swelling of your hands or feet;
  • anxiety, sweating, pale skin, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, fast or uneven heart rate;
  • chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, sweating, general ill feeling;
  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, feeling like you might pass out;
  • blue colored appearance of your lips and skin;
  • slow heart rate, weak pulse, confusion, lower back pain, blood in your urine;
  • little or no urinating;
  • numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth or in your hands and feet;
  • muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes; or
  • upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea;
  • diarrhea; or
  • feeling tired.


What other drugs will affect carfilzomib?


Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about carfilzomib.



Copyright 1996-2015 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.02. Revision date: 7/12/2013.
