Carfilzomib
Say it: kar-FILZ-oh-mib · Brand names: Kyprolis
Carfilzomib is an IV cancer medicine that blocks the system cells use to clear out old proteins, which makes myeloma cells die.
What it is
Cells have a recycling system, called the proteasome, that breaks down proteins they no longer need. Carfilzomib blocks this system. Myeloma cells make a lot of protein, so the waste builds up and the cancer cells die.
Often used for
- multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatment
How you get it
Carfilzomib is given into a vein (IV) at the clinic over about 10 to 30 minutes. It is often given once or twice a week for 3 weeks, followed by a rest week. You may get fluids through a vein and dexamethasone before it. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection, bleeding and tiredness. Your team will check your blood.
- Shortness of breath. Tell your team, especially if it is new or getting worse.
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
- Fever or chills after the infusion. Tell your team, since this can be a reaction or an infection.
- Cough or cold symptoms. Wash your hands often.
- High blood pressure. Your team will check it at each visit.
- Swelling in the legs or feet. Raise your legs when you sit.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs or belly
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Urinating much less than usual
- Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or a seizure
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be signs of a blood clot
- Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or have had a heart attack
- If you have kidney or lung problems
- If you have had blood clots
- All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements
Good to know
- Carfilzomib can cause heart problems, including heart failure. Your team will watch your heart and blood pressure closely.
- It can affect the kidneys and lungs. You will have regular blood tests.
- You will get fluids to protect your kidneys, but too much fluid can strain the heart. Tell your team about any swelling or weight gain.
- It raises the risk of blood clots. Your team may give you a medicine to prevent them.
- Carfilzomib can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for some months after, as your team advises.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine?
- Will I need heart tests before or during treatment?
- Should I check my blood pressure at home?
- What should I take to prevent blood clots or infections?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Diarrhea
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Carfilzomib?
- Carfilzomib is an IV cancer medicine that blocks the system cells use to clear out old proteins, which makes myeloma cells die. Brand names: Kyprolis.
- What is Carfilzomib used for?
- multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatment.
- How is Carfilzomib given?
- Carfilzomib is given into a vein (IV) at the clinic over about 10 to 30 minutes. It is often given once or twice a week for 3 weeks, followed by a rest week. You may get fluids through a vein and dexamethasone before it. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Carfilzomib?
- Feeling tired. Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection, bleeding and tiredness. Shortness of breath. Diarrhea. Fever or chills after the infusion. Cough or cold symptoms. High blood pressure. Swelling in the legs or feet.
- When should I call my care team while taking Carfilzomib?
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs or belly; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Urinating much less than usual; Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or a seizure; Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be signs of a blood clot; Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Carfilzomib?
- KRd (CRD).
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.