If you have multiple myeloma, your doctor may suggest Kyprolis as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat multiple myeloma in adults in certain situations. For this purpose, Kyprolis may be used alone or with other drugs.
Kyprolis contains the active ingredient carfilzomib, which belongs to a group of drugs called proteasome inhibitors.
Kyprolis is given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). This is done by a healthcare professional in a doctor’s office, hospital, or infusion center.
This article describes the dosages of Kyprolis, as well as its form, strengths, and how to use it. To learn more about Kyprolis, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers the typical dosages for Kyprolis, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But your doctor will prescribe the Kyprolis dosage that’s right for you.
This section describes the dosages of Kyprolis. It includes the dosing schedule, administration (how it’s given), and dose reduction (how your dose will be decreased, if needed).
What is the form of Kyprolis?
Kyprolis is available as a powder in a vial. Each vial contains a single dose. Water is added to the powder to make a liquid solution. The drug is then given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).
What strengths does Kyprolis come in?
Kyprolis comes in the following strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
What are the typical dosages of Kyprolis?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
A healthcare professional will give you Kyprolis, following one of two schedules:
- once weekly as a 30-minute IV infusion
- twice weekly as 10-minute IV infusions
Your Kyprolis dosage will follow a 4-week cycle of 3 weeks on and 1 week off. This cycle will repeat several times based on your other medications and your body’s response to treatment.
The usual starting dose is 20 mg per meters squared (mg/m2). Meters squared is a measure of your body’s surface area. Your doctor will figure out this number using your height and weight. Your Kyprolis dosage will typically increase from the starting dose to the maximum dose on day 8 of your first cycle.
The maximum dose depends on:
- other drugs you’re using with Kyprolis
- whether you get infusions once or twice weekly
The chart below shows Kyprolis doses when used alone or with certain other drugs. These are the starting doses and maximum doses used to treat multiple myeloma.
| Kyprolis use | Starting dose | Maximum dose for twice-weekly infusions | Maximum dose for once-weekly infusions |
| when used alone | 20 mg/m2 | 27 mg/m2 or56 mg/m2* | |
| with dexamethasone | 20 mg/m2 | 56 mg/m2 | 70 mg/m2 |
| with Darzalex or Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab or daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) and dexamethasone | 20 mg/m2 | 56 mg/m2 | 70 mg/m2 |
| with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone | 20 mg/m2 | 27 mg/m2 |
* 27 mg/m2 is the maximum 10-minute infusion dose; 56 mg/m2 is the maximum 30-minute infusion dose.
Is Kyprolis used long term?
For certain treatment schedules, you’ll only receive 18 cycles of Kyprolis. But if this drug helps improve your condition without harmful side effects, it’s possible you’ll receive it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Your Kyprolis dosage may be adjusted based on certain factors.
- Your doctor may decrease your Kyprolis dose if you have:
- reduced liver function
- certain serious side effects*
- Your doctor may decrease your dose or pause your treatment if:
- your white blood cells or platelets (cells that help your blood to clot) are low
- you develop a serious infection during treatment
- Your doctor may use renal dosing (a dose that’s safer for your kidneys), pause treatment, or schedule your doses differently if:
- your kidney function is decreased
- you have severe kidney disease
- you’re on dialysis
* Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience side effects during your treatment.
The dosage of Kyprolis you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition you’re using Kyprolis to treat
- your height
- your weight
- your reaction to Kyprolis
- other drugs you’re taking
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is the dosage for Kyprolis?”)
A healthcare professional will give you Kyprolis as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). Your infusion will take either 10 minutes or 30 minutes depending on:
- whether you’re getting an infusion once or twice weekly
- other medications you’re receiving along with Kyprolis
For more information, see “What are the typical dosages of Kyprolis?” above.
Your doctor will make sure you’re hydrated before giving you Kyprolis. (This means your body has a healthy balance of fluids.)
You’ll also have blood tests a few times during your treatment to make sure your electrolyte levels are healthy. (Electrolytes are salts your body uses to maintain the right fluid levels.)
You may get another medication before your Kyprolis infusion to help reduce any harmful effects. This medication is called dexamethasone.
If you can’t make it to an infusion appointment, let your doctor know as soon as possible. You may need to reschedule. Try your best not to miss an appointment. If you need help remembering, consider using a calendar or reminder app on your phone.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Kyprolis, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- What should I expect when my dose gets higher?
- How long will I likely take my current Kyprolis dose?
- Are there any reasons that my dose may decrease during my treatment?
Q:
Will my Kyprolis dose change if I am put on another medication to prevent blood clots?
AnonymousA:
No, your dose will not change. Your doctor will likely prescribe medication to help prevent blood clots if you’re taking Kyprolis together with lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab. If you have questions about your Kyprolis dose, talk with your doctor.
Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
