Multiple Myeloma Treatment Drugs
In the year 2016, there were approximately 138,500 new MM cases (Multiple myeloma) across the world.
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not specified yet. MM is most common in older individuals who have aged above 65 years than in the younger generation. Also this disease mostly hits black populations than white and slightly more common in males in comparison to females. Other factors also involved such as plasma cell disorder, exposure to certain chemicals as well as radiation and being overweight.
For newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, the existence of immunomodulatory drugs as well as proteasome inhibitors has helped in order to improve treatment responses versus rest therapies.
With the help of these modern combination regimens, deep responses have occurred in the form of improved progression-free survival as well as overall survival.
Carfilzomib is a prescription medication for patients with refractory as well as relapsed multiple myeloma who have received at least one to three previous treatments for multiple myeloma.
This medication is approved by FDA to use in combination with dexamethasone and lenalidomide.
Both lenalidomide and dexamethasone are the multiple myeloma treatment drugs.
Carfilzomib as a Proteasome Inhibitor: Carfilzomib Injection is a newer proteasome inhibitor specifically for the use in the treatment of multiple myeloma in such patients who have been treated with other medications that didn't work.
According to the clinical studies, carfilzomib based combinations with immunomodulators are impactfully highly active with a favorable and safety profile in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Side Effects of Carfilzomib
Sometimes, people with Carfilzomib Injection (Kyprolis) may experience a few adverse effects such as fatigue, muscle spasm, fever, sleeplessness, cough, low white blood cell count and infection.
Also patients may experience some rare and serious side effects include a clot in the lung, pneumonia and change in voice.
Patients should immediately contact their healthcare provider if they feel any of the above mentioned side effects.
Mechanism of Action
This medication is the epoxyketone class of proteasome inhibitors and irreversibly to the proteolytic core particles within the 26S proteasome.
Carfilzomib has selectivity for the chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome and it has induced cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death as well as activated stress response pathways.
Dosage:
Carfilzomib needs to be taken intravenously as directed by your healthcare team. Do not stop or start this medication by yourself.
Price of Carfilzomib
The cost of Kyprolis (Carfilzomib 60 mg) is affordable. A patient can purchase this medication through any registered pharmaceutical company after getting the consent of the physician.
Important Information- Females who have intention to conceive a child should avoid the pregnancy while on this medication. Also, breastfeeding is not recommended during the course of carfilzomib. It may cause fetal harm on the infants.
