When your doctor tells you or someone close to you that you need to be given a vaccine called Carfilzomib as a treatment for cancer, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous. What kind of medicine is this? How will it affect the body? What should you be concerned about? You probably have a lot of questions in your mind. That's why we are here to talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Carfilzomib?
Carfilzomib is a special vaccine that is used to treat a type of cancer called multiple myeloma . This is a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow. Think of it like cancer cells in our body are like weeds. They spread and grow rapidly. There is a special protein that helps these cancer cells grow and spread.
The Carfilzomib vaccine blocks the action of that protein . Just as a weed dies when it is deprived of water and nutrients, this drug blocks the pathway that helps cancer cells grow and divide. This stops or slows down the growth of cancer cells.
This medicine is also known by the brand name KYPROLIS. It may also be used for other conditions. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you and how it should be given. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
- Heart disease: If you have a history of heart disease, such as a heart attack or heart failure, please tell us about it.
- A history of blood clots: If you have previously had blood clots in places like the legs or lungs, that should also be mentioned.
- Irregular heartbeat: If you have an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat, inform your doctor.
- Kidney disease: If you have any weakness in your kidneys.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Lung or breathing difficulties: If you have breathing difficulties or other lung diseases like asthma.
- Allergies: Don't forget to tell us if you have any allergies to Carfilzomib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if your partner may be pregnant. Also, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
How to administer the medicine and what to be careful about
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a pill or syrup that you can take home. Carfilzomib is an injection into a vein (intravenous injection) . Therefore, it is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, inform the staff immediately. Alternatively, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss the day I'm supposed to take the medicine?
It is very important to take the medicine on the scheduled days and at the scheduled times during this treatment. It directly affects the success of the treatment. If for some reason you are unable to go to the hospital on the scheduled day, call your doctor or the treatment department immediately and inform them . They will advise you on what to do next.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
Your doctor will be constantly monitoring your body for changes while you are taking this medicine. You may need to have regular blood tests . In addition, you should also be aware of these things.
- Dehydration: Tell your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, as excessive fluid loss from the body can be dangerous while taking this medication.
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may make you feel dizzy, drowsy, or lose your balance. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness: To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, rather than suddenly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during treatment may increase the side effects mentioned above (dizziness, drowsiness).
- Pregnancy and Birth Control (CRITICAL):
- For women: You will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. You must use a highly effective form of birth control during the entire course of treatment and for 6 months after your last dose . Talk to your doctor about the method that is right for you.
- For men: If your partner is of childbearing potential, be sure to use a condom during sex while you are taking treatment and for 3 months after the last dose .
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby completely while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after the last dose .
- Fertility: This medicine may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children (fertility). If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it before starting treatment.
- Carfilzomib is a special injection given into a vein in a hospital to treat multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking before starting treatment.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding, or fever.
- Avoid pregnancy completely during and for a period of time after treatment. Use a highly effective method of birth control.
- Do not miss taking your medication on the scheduled dates. If you are unable to go for any reason, notify the hospital immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or concerns you may have about this medication. They are there to help you.
This is very important. Getting pregnant while taking Carfilzomib can cause serious birth defects .
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Carfilzomib can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to be aware of them. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor right away.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms you are experiencing |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Blood Clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Heart Attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Heart Failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness. |
| High Blood Pressure | Blood pressure was elevated when measured by the doctor. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain during urination, and body discomfort. |
| Kidney Injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, pale stools, dark yellow/brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Lung Injury | Difficulty breathing, cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, fever. |
| Other serious conditions | Symptoms of specific but serious conditions such as TTP, HUS, PRES, TLS. These may include: sudden severe headache, confusion, vision changes, seizures, pale skin, body aches, and decreased urine output. Report any of these unusual symptoms immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea. |
| Other | Fatigue, insomnia. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
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