Forums
Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
Had my first four infusions of Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and with this last dose developed a nasty phlebitis at the IV site. The redness and erythema extend from my wrist to my elbow. My doctors are aware. Has anyone else had this problem? Do most of you get your Kyprolis through a peripheral IV, PICC or central line?
-
mrsv118 - Name: Kate
- Who do you know with myeloma?: ME
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 7/19/12
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
Hi Kate, I never had any phlebitis in 8 cycles of carfilzomib. I always used the regular IV. Saline and dex always came first. I guess I was lucky. Good luck. I hope it gets better for you quickly.
My only major problem was my first round of Aredia (pamidronate). I was sick as a dog for several days.
Terry L.
My only major problem was my first round of Aredia (pamidronate). I was sick as a dog for several days.
Terry L.
-
terryl1 - Name: Terry
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 10, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
mrsv118,
I developed swellings at the site of the IV several time, which were like large lumps in the veins. However, they were considered damage to the veins and never classified as clots, nor was it ever attributed to the carfilzomib. I also had issues with getting IVs installed. They typically had to try 2-3 times, in different locations, before they could get an IV started. They speculated that my veins must have a lot of valves in them and when they would try to get a reverse flow, the valves would close.
As a result of the swelling and the number of times it took to get an IV started, I opted to have a port installed about 3 months into my treatment (my treatment was for 24 cycles, so I still had a long way to go at that time).
I developed swellings at the site of the IV several time, which were like large lumps in the veins. However, they were considered damage to the veins and never classified as clots, nor was it ever attributed to the carfilzomib. I also had issues with getting IVs installed. They typically had to try 2-3 times, in different locations, before they could get an IV started. They speculated that my veins must have a lot of valves in them and when they would try to get a reverse flow, the valves would close.
As a result of the swelling and the number of times it took to get an IV started, I opted to have a port installed about 3 months into my treatment (my treatment was for 24 cycles, so I still had a long way to go at that time).
-
Kevin J - Name: Kevin J
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
Hi Kate,
I checked the official prescribing information for Kyprolis, and phlebitis isn't listed as a common side effect or adverse reaction. In fact, the drug doesn't even seem to cause so-called "injection site reactions" (rashes or redness by the injection site) all that much.
Here's a link to the prescribing information:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202714lbl.pdf
The side effect information starts in section 6.1. The key results are in Table 4.
The prescribing information ("PI") for a drug is the official FDA-approved description of the drug. It is the basis for what pharmaceutical companies are allowed to say about their drug to doctors and to the public.
I checked the official prescribing information for Kyprolis, and phlebitis isn't listed as a common side effect or adverse reaction. In fact, the drug doesn't even seem to cause so-called "injection site reactions" (rashes or redness by the injection site) all that much.
Here's a link to the prescribing information:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202714lbl.pdf
The side effect information starts in section 6.1. The key results are in Table 4.
The prescribing information ("PI") for a drug is the official FDA-approved description of the drug. It is the basis for what pharmaceutical companies are allowed to say about their drug to doctors and to the public.
-
TerryH
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
I am finishing cycle 3 of 8 cycles. I have had several cases of mild phlebitis and often have a mild burning sensation during the first few minutes of infusion. Only once did did it hurt during the whole time. I also have difficult veins and have been having trouble getting good IV sticks. I get pre-treatment IV dexamethasone and post treatment hydration.
We have discussed a central line but have not made a decision ... but this is mainly because of the increasingly difficulty with IV sticks. And vein complications not necessarily the fault of the drug but my vein issues.
We have discussed a central line but have not made a decision ... but this is mainly because of the increasingly difficulty with IV sticks. And vein complications not necessarily the fault of the drug but my vein issues.
-
Jmdluv2cook
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
Hi Kate,
I have just finished 3 cycles of Kyprolis. I am on a day 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16 schedule, 1 month on and 1 month off.
I am flushed with 30 mins saline, then 4 mg dex and then Kyprolis and then flushed again with 30 minutes saline.
My right arm is always uncomfortable, but the irritation is lessened by decreasing the infusion rate and applying a warm pad.
Hope this works for you
I have just finished 3 cycles of Kyprolis. I am on a day 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16 schedule, 1 month on and 1 month off.
I am flushed with 30 mins saline, then 4 mg dex and then Kyprolis and then flushed again with 30 minutes saline.
My right arm is always uncomfortable, but the irritation is lessened by decreasing the infusion rate and applying a warm pad.
Hope this works for you
-
meeshymeesh - Name: Michelle
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 40
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
Thanks everyone for you input.
I'm getting dex 20 mg pre-carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and then 70 mg of carfilzomib. I get flushed afterwards. I am having issues with IV placement as well, so I go to an area that puts IV in with ultrasound and, so far, that is working out.
The phlebitis, I am told, is not permanent and that my veins will rebound in a few weeks. But I am betting some degree of phlebitis just about every week.
I'm hoping they rebound soon or I'm gonna run out!
I'm getting dex 20 mg pre-carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and then 70 mg of carfilzomib. I get flushed afterwards. I am having issues with IV placement as well, so I go to an area that puts IV in with ultrasound and, so far, that is working out.
The phlebitis, I am told, is not permanent and that my veins will rebound in a few weeks. But I am betting some degree of phlebitis just about every week.
I'm hoping they rebound soon or I'm gonna run out!
-
mrsv118 - Name: Kate
- Who do you know with myeloma?: ME
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 7/19/12
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
I have had two 3 week rounds of Kyprolis with 10mg dexamethasone and saline before and after. Once I had a small lump near the IV site and once a larger red area and swelling at the site but it seemed to have more to do with the vein and the "stick". One thing that really helped those issues and also bruising in other areas is a natural cream or gel called Arnicare which can be found at health food stores or sometimes at Walgreen's. Started using it for various bruises which I easily get these days on the recommendation of a nurse and it is a big help.
-
Betty Jo
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
My Mom was diagnosed September 26, 2012, and has been doing dexamethasone, Revlimid, and Velcade. This was discontinued yesterday. Most recent MRI shows significant increase of disease since her previous MRI from 9/12. In horrible pain, cannot get relief with radiation and morphine / Percocet. Placed into hospital last nite for pain control.
Doctor recommended holding radiation for today to give her a break. Then will restart some type of treatment. This was a drug he spoke of.
She is 72 and this is quite advanced. She has rare nonsecreting type of multiple myeloma. It is in all bones, skull, clavicle, sternum, ribs, femurs, spine, horrible disease. She is brave and positive.
Just reluctant to see her try another treatment and fail. ?? palliative care. Praying for freedom of pain and wisdom as to which direction to go.
Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks
Doctor recommended holding radiation for today to give her a break. Then will restart some type of treatment. This was a drug he spoke of.
She is 72 and this is quite advanced. She has rare nonsecreting type of multiple myeloma. It is in all bones, skull, clavicle, sternum, ribs, femurs, spine, horrible disease. She is brave and positive.
Just reluctant to see her try another treatment and fail. ?? palliative care. Praying for freedom of pain and wisdom as to which direction to go.
Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks
-
kwelninski
Re: Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and phlebitis
To kwelninski:
I am not a qualified person to speak at any lengths on pain management, but having dealt with something similar, the pain usually radiates greatest from the large bones in the legs. Fentanyl patches augmented with oral opiates as needed can work and is usually the first line.
Also, might I suggest exploring the possibly of a spinal block procedure with your pain management physician. This may offer an alternative form of relief that isn't often thought of in multiple myeloma patients.
I am not a qualified person to speak at any lengths on pain management, but having dealt with something similar, the pain usually radiates greatest from the large bones in the legs. Fentanyl patches augmented with oral opiates as needed can work and is usually the first line.
Also, might I suggest exploring the possibly of a spinal block procedure with your pain management physician. This may offer an alternative form of relief that isn't often thought of in multiple myeloma patients.
11 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Return to Treatments & Side Effects