carfilzomib

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

What is carfilzomib?

Carfilzomib is used to treat multiple myeloma. Carfilzomib is sometimes given with other medicines when treating relapsed multiple myeloma.

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

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

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

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.

• If you are a woman, do not use carfilzomib 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 carfilzomib.

How is carfilzomib given?

Carfilzomib is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving carfilzomib?

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 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.

• 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 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.

What other drugs will affect carfilzomib?

Other drugs may affect carfilzomib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about carfilzomib.