Kyprolis (carfilzomib) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Kyprolis is used to treat multiple myeloma.
Kyprolis is usually given after at least two other cancer medicines have been tried without success.
Important information
Kyprolis 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, feeling like you might pass out, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, or blue colored appearance of your lips and skin.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Kyprolis if you are allergic to carfilzomib.
To make sure Kyprolis is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Do not use Kyprolis if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with Kyprolis. 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 Kyprolis.
How is Kyprolis given?
Kyprolis is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Kyprolis 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 Kyprolis. Drink plenty of liquids before and after your Kyprolis 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 Kyprolis is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.
Kyprolis dosing information
Usual Adult Dose OF Kyprolis for Multiple Myeloma:
Initial (Cycle 1): 20 mg/m2 intravenously, over 2 to 10 minutes, on the first two days of each treatment week for 3 weeks (Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16), followed by a 12 day rest period (Days 17 to 28).
Maintenance: 27 mg/m2 intravenously, beginning in Cycle 2, if Cycle 1 dose was tolerated, and continuing for subsequent cycles, as tolerated. The dosing schedule remains the same for Cycle 2 and subsequent cycles.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving Kyprolis?
Carfilzomib can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
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.
Kyprolis side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Kyprolis: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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:
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headache, confusion, change in mental status, vision loss, seizure (convulsions);
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vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, blood in your stools;
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low blood cell counts - fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling like you might pass out;
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lung problems - shortness of breath (even with mild exertion or while lying down), swelling of your hands or feet, wheezing, gasping for breath, blue colored lips and skin, cough with foamy mucus, fast or uneven heart rate;
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heart problems - chest pain or pressure, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
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liver problems - upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
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signs of tumor cell breakdown - lower back pain, blood in your urine, little or no urinating; numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; muscle weakness or tightness; fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse; fainting.
Common Kyprolis side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Kyprolis?
Other drugs may interact with carfilzomib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
