Kyprolis

Generic name: carfilzomib (kar FILZ oh mib)
Brand name: Kyprolis
Drug class: Proteasome inhibitors

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 sometimes given with other medicines when treating relapsed multiple myeloma.

Kyprolis is given after other medicines did not work or have stopped working.

Warnings

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

To make sure Kyprolis is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a heart attack or stroke;
• lung disease;
• liver disease, or abnormal liver function tests.

Carfilzomib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Kyprolis if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Kyprolis.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How is Kyprolis given?

Kyprolis is given as an infusion into a vein. 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.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or infections. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.

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. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids before and after your injections.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Kyprolis injection.

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?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

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 weak, nauseated, chilled or feverish, light-headed, or if you have joint or muscle pain, a cold sweat, chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Kyprolis may cause a serious brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), or any bleeding that will not stop;
• vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, blood in your stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• headache, confusion, dizziness, problems with balance;
• a seizure;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• heart problems - chest pain, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, pounding in your neck or ears, blurred vision, severe headache;
• kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet;
• lung problems - shortness of breath (even while lying down), wheezing, blue colored lips and skin, cough with foamy mucus;
• low potassium level - leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, pain or redness in an arm or leg; or
• signs of tumor cell breakdown - weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, decreased urination, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common Kyprolis side effects may include:

• fever, bruising, pale skin or other signs of low blood cell counts;
• feeling short of breath;
• low potassium;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;
• muscle spasm;
• swelling in your hands or feet; or
• headache, trouble sleeping, feeling tired.

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.