WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Carfilzomib injection is used alone and in combination with other medications to treat people with multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) who have already been treated with other medications. Carfilzomib is in a class of medications called proteasome inhibitors. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in your body.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Carfilzomib comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein). Carfilzomib is given by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic usually over a period of 10 or 30 minutes. It may be given 2 days in a row each week for 3 weeks followed by a 12-day rest period or it may be given once a week for 3 weeks followed by a 13-day rest period. The length of treatment will depend on how well your body responds to the medication.
Carfilzomib injection may cause severe or life-threatening reactions for up to 24 hours after you receive a dose of the medication. You will receive certain medications to help prevent a reaction before you receive each dose of carfilzomib. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after your treatment: fever, chills, joint or muscle pain, flushing or swelling of the face, swelling or tightening of the throat, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, or chest tightness or pain.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment. Your doctor may stop your treatment for a while or decrease your dose of carfilzomib if you experience side effects of the medication.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving carfilzomib injection,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Drink plenty of fluids before and every day during your treatment with carfilzomib, especially if you vomit or have diarrhea.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Carfilzomib injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the HOW and SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor:
Carfilzomib injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly and order certain tests to check your body's response to carfilzomib.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about carfilzomib injection.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: October 15, 2022.