Carfilzomib is a targeted cancer medicine used for multiple myeloma. You receive it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic or infusion center.
Brand Name(s)
- United States: Kyprolis
- Canada: Kyprolis
Warning(s)
This medicine can cause serious side effects. Know when to call your care team right away.
- Heart problems, including heart failure or heart attack. Call right away for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling in your legs, or sudden weight gain.
- High blood pressure, sometimes severe. Report severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
- Breathing problems, including shortness of breath or cough with fever.
- Kidney or liver problems. Watch for dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or big changes in urination.
- Infusion reactions during the infusion or within 24 hours after. Symptoms can include fever, chills, flushing, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.
- Low blood counts can increase the risk of infection and bleeding. Call for fever or chills, sore throat, unusual bruising, bleeding you cannot stop, or black or tarry stools.
- Blood clots (in the legs, lungs, or elsewhere). Get help right away for chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or color change in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking.
- Electrolyte changes or high blood sugar. Report confusion, muscle cramps, weakness, shaking, seizures, extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, or fruity-smelling breath.
- Tumor lysis syndrome (a sudden breakdown of cancer cells). Call for fast or abnormal heartbeat, fainting, muscle cramps or weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or feeling very sluggish.
- Thrombotic microangiopathy (TTP/HUS). Warning signs include severe tiredness, pale skin, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, bruising or bleeding, changes in vision, trouble thinking, balance changes, or less urination.
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Call for severe headache, confusion, seizures, or changes in eyesight.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection. Report confusion, memory problems, mood or behavior changes, trouble speaking, weakness on one side, balance problems, or vision changes.
- Allergic reactions can be severe. Get emergency help for rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Shingles (herpes zoster) can come back. Tell your care team if you have a history of shingles.
- Dizziness or fatigue can affect alertness. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Older adults (65+) may have more side effects. Extra monitoring may be needed.
- Drug interactions are possible. Tell your care team about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
- Pregnancy and fertility: Carfilzomib may harm an unborn baby and may affect fertility. You will have a pregnancy test before starting if you can become pregnant. Use birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Hormone-based birth control may raise the risk of blood clots; ask about nonhormonal options.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Multiple myeloma (MM). It may be used alone or with other medicines, often after other treatments have been tried.
Use can vary based on your health history, prior treatments, and treatment goals. Your care team will explain why it is being recommended for you.
Mechanism of Action
Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor. Proteasomes are protein “recycling centers” inside cells. Blocking them causes a buildup of damaged proteins that stresses and kills cancer cells.
- Targets the 20S proteasome in myeloma cells.
- Triggers cell death (apoptosis) and slows tumor growth.
- Given by IV infusion in cycles. You may receive medicines before the infusion to reduce the risk of reactions.
Common Side Effects
Not everyone has side effects. Many are manageable. Tell your care team about symptoms that do not go away or bother you.
- Nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation; stomach or belly pain
- Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain or muscle spasms
- Trouble sleeping
- Cold-like symptoms (such as cough or runny nose)
These are not all the possible side effects. Your care team will monitor your blood counts, blood pressure, heart function, and kidney and liver tests during treatment.
Last reviewed: 2025-12-17
