Carfilzomib
About
Carfilzomib belongs to the group of proteasome inhibitors (anti-cancer medicines). It 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 medicines. Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects several areas of the body, such as the spine, skull, pelvis, and ribs.
Carfilzomib contains Carfilzomib, which suppresses proteasomes that prevent protein breakdown in MM (multiple myeloma) cells. When proteasome function is stopped within the MM cell, a protein build-up occurs within the MM cell, which destroys the malignant cells.
Carfilzomib is administered in a hospital setting by a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects, such as fatigue (feeling overtired), anaemia, nausea, thrombocytopenia (low platelet level), dyspnea (feeling short of breath), diarrhoea, and pyrexia (fever). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Before taking the Carfilzomib, inform your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Carfilzomib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months afterwards. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Do not skip any laboratory checks because Thrombocytopenia, Hepatic Toxicity and Hepatic Failure may occur. If it happens, reduce or interrupt dosing as clinically indicated.
Uses of Carfilzomib
Medicinal Benefits
Carfilzomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is present in Carfilzomib. It suppresses proteasomes, preventing protein breakdown in MM (multiple myeloma) cells. When proteasome function is stopped within the MM cell, a protein build-up occurs within the MM cell, which destroys the malignant cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Carfilzomib
- Fatigue (feeling overtired)
- Anaemia (lack of blood)
- Nausea
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet level)
- Dyspnea (feeling short of breath)
- Diarrhea
- Pyrexia (fever)
- Increased risk of infection
- Breathlessness and looking pale
- Bruising, bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Low potassium levels in the blood
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Headache and dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Constipation
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Tummy (abdomen) Pain
- Joint, muscle or bone pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Carfilzomib, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Avoid taking Carfilzomib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or allergic to any component present in Carfilzomib. Both women and men using this Carfilzomib should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Inform your doctor right away if you or your partner become pregnant during treatment with Carfilzomib. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart failure and ischemia, Pulmonary Hypertension, Thrombocytopenia, low blood pressure or hepatic toxicity; your doctor will closely monitor and manage it. Carfilzomib injection may induce serious or life-threatening responses for up to 24 hours following administration. Before each dose of carfilzomib, you will be given specific drugs to assist in preventing a reaction. If you develop any of the following symptoms after your treatment, contact your doctor right away: fever, chills, joint or muscle pain, flushing or swelling of the face, swelling or tightening of the throat, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, disorientation or fainting, or chest tightness or pain.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Carfilzomib may interact with monoclonal antibodies (e.g. adalimumab), immunomodulatory medication (e.g. baricitinib, fingolimod), vaccines (e.g. BCG Vaccine, Denue vaccine), and antipsychotic medication (e.g. clozapine), and anabolic steroid hormone (methyltestosterone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Carfilzomib may interact with various disease conditions, including tumour lysis syndrome (a condition that occurs when a large number of cancer cells die within a short period, releasing their contents into the blood), heart disease, pulmonary impairment, bleeding disorders, low or high blood pressure, renal or hepatic impairment and infections (bacterial/fungal/protozoal/viral).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Carfilzomib.
Pregnancy
unsafeCarfilzomib should not be taken during pregnancy as it might cause fetal harm. Inform your doctor immediately if you are conceiving while on therapy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not breastfeed while you are receiving Carfilzomib and for two weeks after your final dose.
Driving
cautionCarfilzomib may cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and/or a drop in blood pressure. So, if you have any of these symptoms while in therapy, you should not operate machinery or drive a car.
Liver
cautionExtreme caution is exercised while using Carfilzomib in patients with liver impairment. Inform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor monitors liver enzymes and withholds dosing if suspected.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Carfilzomib if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Carfilzomib.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Carfilzomib in pediatric patients have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with Carfilzomib.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order laboratory tests before, during and after your treatment to check your body's response to Carfilzomib to see if your blood cells are affected by this drug.
- Do not donate sperm during treatment with Carfilzomib and for three months after your last dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection. In myeloma, the cells grow too much, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells. Multiple myeloma, the most common type of plasma cell tumour, develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body.
FAQs
Carfilzomib contains Carfilzomib, which inhibits proteasomes and thereby prevents protein breakdown in MM (multiple myeloma) cells. When the proteasome action within the MM cell is disturbed, a protein accumulation occurs, destroying the cancerous cells.
No, it is unsafe to father a child while taking Carfilzomib. It is recommended for sexually active men to use condoms while on treatment and for at least several months after their last dose of Carfilzomib.
Based on the medical condition, Carfilzomib may be given alone or together with other medicines used to treat multiple myeloma.
Tell your healthcare professional immediately if you get any signs of an infusion-related reaction during or after the infusion. Your doctor may give other medicines, or the infusion may need to be slowed down or stopped.
Carfilzomib can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have signs of bruising or bleeding.
