Kyprolis (Carfilzomib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kyprolis Used For?
Kyprolis is an anti-cancer medicine that treats a specific type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma, which affects the bone marrow.
Primary Uses
Kyprolis is used to treat multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow) that has come back after previous treatment or has not responded to previous treatment. It is given in combination with other medicines that are also used to treat multiple myeloma.
How to Take Kyprolis
Kyprolis is given as an infusion (slow injection or ‘drip’ into a vein) by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
You will receive Kyprolis either once weekly or twice weekly. Your doctor will decide which schedule is best for you. One treatment cycle lasts 28 days. For once weekly: given each week for 3 weeks (usually on days 1, 8, and 15), followed by a 1-week break. For twice weekly: given 2 days in a row, each week for 3 weeks (usually on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16), followed by a 1-week break. Your doctor will determine your dose based on your height and weight.
Important: Do not miss your appointments. Keep all of your doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- aches or pains in joints or muscles
- dizziness
- difficulty sleeping
- infections in the nasal or throat passages or lung
- high blood pressure
- breathlessness
- cough
- diarrhea/constipation
- feeling sick
- vomiting
- fever
- fatigue
- general feeling of illness or discomfort
- toothache
- swelling of the throat
- rapid, pounding or fluttering heartbeat
- chest discomfort or pressure
- difficulty seeing or blurred vision
- persistent noise in the ears
- anxiety
- difficulty swallowing
- abdominal pain, cramping and tenderness
- decreased appetite
- dehydration
- indigestion
- bloated abdomen
- change in voice or hoarseness
- nosebleed
- wheezing
- increased sweating
- rash, redness of the skin or itchy skin
- high temperature or chills
- runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or pain
- sore throat
- pain during urination or urgency to urinate
- viral infection
- back pain, pain in limbs, bone, hands or feet
- muscle weakness or spasms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- signs of allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat and tongue, rapid pulse or sweating)
- chest pain, breathing problems
- sudden or sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat
- fainting spells
- severe breathlessness
- cough, wheezing, phlegm, occasionally with blood
- pain or swelling in the throat
- pain under the right ribcage
- yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes
- slurred or loss of speech
- numbness, tingling or weakness of the hands and/or feet
- confusion, seizures, visual loss
- altered consciousness
- tiredness and fatigue
- bruising or bleeding easily
- weakness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- leg pain (which could be a symptom of blood clots)
- watery diarrhea 10-15 times/day with abdominal cramping and pain
- severe stomach pain
- coffee grounds or black sticky bowel motions or bright red blood in bowel motions
- coughing or vomiting up blood
- infusion reaction at the injection site
- pain, swelling and tenderness in a limb, usually the calf
- drowsiness; cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- severe muscle pain
- visual loss or disturbance
- swollen ankles, feet, or hands
- passing less or no urine
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before receiving Kyprolis treatment.
Who Should Not Take Kyprolis
Do not use Kyprolis if you are allergic to carfilzomib or any of the ingredients listed in the medication information.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems (including chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or if you have taken heart medicine); lung problems (including shortness of breath at rest or with activity); kidney problems (including kidney failure or if you have received dialysis); liver problems (including hepatitis, fatty liver, or if you’ve been told your liver is not working properly); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal; blood clots in your veins and small blood vessels; any other major disease for which you were hospitalized or received medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Kyprolis is not recommended during pregnancy. Women receiving Kyprolis must use reliable birth control during treatment and for 1 month after stopping. Men receiving Kyprolis must use reliable birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Kyprolis. Do not breastfeed during Kyprolis treatment as it is not known if the medication passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Kyprolis and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- medicines used to prevent pregnancy, including oral and hormonal contraceptives
- any medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without a prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities that require alertness while taking Kyprolis.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery or engage in hazardous activities while taking Kyprolis if you experience fatigue, dizziness and/or fainting. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Kyprolis affects you.
Storage
Kyprolis will be prepared for your infusion by your healthcare team. Your doctor or nurse will dispose of this medicine properly.
Overdose Information
Since Kyprolis will be given to you by your doctor or nurse in a medical setting, your doctor will treat and monitor any side effects if too much is given.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will decide how long you will take Kyprolis. This will depend on how well you respond to treatment. Treatment continues in 28-day cycles with 3 weeks of treatment followed by 1 week off.
Do not miss your appointment. Keep all of your doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be checked. If you must miss an appointment, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including vitamins or supplements bought without a prescription. Some medicines may interfere with Kyprolis and affect how it works.
Remind any doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Kyprolis. This is important for your safety and proper medical care.
Women receiving Kyprolis must use reliable birth control during treatment and for 1 month after stopping. Men receiving Kyprolis must use reliable birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.
Call your doctor straight away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles and feet, difficulty breathing, severe headache, unusual bruising or bleeding, leg pain, yellowing of skin and eyes, or any signs of allergic reaction.
Your doctor may do blood tests to check on your progress and detect any unwanted side effects. Keep all your doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.