This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma) in patients who have previously received other treatments. It works by helping to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.

How to use carfilzomib IV
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a healthcare professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually over 2 to 10 minutes. It is usually given on two consecutive days each week for three weeks at a time. The dosage is based on your body size, laboratory tests, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Your doctor may direct you to receive another medication (dexamethasone) before the injection to help prevent side effects (infusion reactions). (See also Side Effects section.)

Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, fainting, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, fast/irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine.
Carfilzomib sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Your doctor may also direct you to take another medication (allopurinol) for the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, muscle spasms/weakness.
Symptoms of a severe infusion reaction that may occur during carfilzomib treatment include fever, chills, flushing, trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, chest pain, or fainting. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms during your treatment.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing.
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking carfilzomib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as heart failure, heart attack, heart rhythm problems), liver disease, certain viral infections (herpes, shingles).
Carfilzomib can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Use reliable form(s) of birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function tests, complete blood counts including platelets) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised August 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.