Carfilzomib (Generic Name)
Other Names: KyprolisTM
About This Drug
Carfilzomib is used to treat cancer. It is given intravenously (IV).
Possible Side Effects
- Bone marrow depression. This is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may increase your risk of infection, fatigue, and bleeding.
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Swelling of your legs, ankles and/or feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Some people have diarrhea and some have constipation.
- Muscle or joint pain or muscle spasms
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Some people have higher blood pressure and others have lower blood pressure than their normal blood pressure.
- Changes in your electrolytes and blood sugar levels. Your blood will be checked as needed.
- Back or chest wall pain
Possible Side Effects (Less Common)
- Effects on the nerves, called peripheral neuropathy. You may feel numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. It may be difficult for you to button your clothes, open jars, or walk normally. The effect on the nerves may get worse with additional doses of the drug. These effects get better in some people after the drug is stopped, but it may not get better in some people.
- Changes in how your kidneys work. Your kidney function will be checked as needed.
- Changes in the tissue of the heart. Some changes may occur that can cause your heart to have less ability to pump blood. Your heart function will be checked as needed.
- Electrolyte changes. Your blood will be checked for electrolyte changes as needed.
- Changes in how your liver works. Your liver function will be checked as needed.
- Trouble sleeping
Infusion Reactions
While you are receiving this drug by IV, you may have a reaction to the drug. Your nurse will monitor you closely for the following reactions: fever or shaking, chills, flushing, facial swelling, dizziness or light headedness, trouble breathing, chest tightness, or chest pain. These reactions may occur for 24 hours following your infusion. Call 911 for emergency care.
Reproductive Concerns
- Pregnancy warning: This drug may have harmful effects on the unborn child, so effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment.
- Genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effects of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. In addition, a genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus due to this medication, if an exposure during pregnancy has occurred.
- Breast-feeding warning: Women are advised not to breast-feed during treatment, because this drug could enter the breast milk and seriously harm the breast-feeding infant.
Treating Side Effects
- Drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids every day unless, your doctor has told you to restrict your fluid intake due to another medical condition. A cup is 8 ounces of fluid. If you vomit or have diarrhea, you should drink more fluids so that you do not become dehydrated.
- If you are constipated, check with your doctor or nurse before you use enemas, laxatives, or suppositories.
- Do not put anything on your rash, unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for medicine to prevent or lessen your nausea, diarrhea, pain, muscle spasms, headache, or trouble sleeping.
- Be careful when cooking, walking, and handling sharp objects and hot liquids.
- If you are dizzy, rise slowly and gradually after sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing stairs.
Food and Drug Interactions
There are no known interactions of carfilzomib with food. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor's advice.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.5 F (38 C) or above
- Chills
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.
- Uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking.
- Vomiting more than three times a day.
- Diarrhea 4 or more times a day or diarrhea with weakness or lightheadedness.
- Severe headache or confusion
- Dizziness that prevents your from standing and walking safely.
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
- Extreme tiredness that interferes with normal activities.
- Pain or spasms unrelieved by prescribed medication.
- Swelling of your legs, ankles, or feet.
- No bowel movement for three days or you feel uncomfortable.
New — January 2013