Camzyos is a prescription drug used to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Because it can affect heart pumping strength, Camzyos dosing is highly individualized and strictly monitored.
Camzyos comes as an oral capsule that you swallow. Camzyos capsules are available in the following strengths in milligrams (mg):
- 2.5 mg (light purple capsule)
- 5 mg (yellow capsule)
- 10 mg (pink capsule)
- 15 mg (gray capsule)
The recommended Camzyos dosage is:
| Starting dose | Maintenance dose range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5 milligrams (mg) | 2.5 mg to 15 mg | once per day |
Before you start taking Camzyos, your medical team will test your heart function. Depending on how your heart function responds to the starting dose and your symptoms, your doctor will adjust your dose over a period of weeks to arrive at an optimal ongoing (maintenance) dose of Camzyos.
Typically, your doctor will monitor your heart function periodically with echocardiograms during your Camzyos treatment to determine the optimum dosing to manage your condition.
Key terms
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition where the heart muscle becomes thicker than usual. This interferes with your heart’s ability to relax and pump blood out to the rest of your body. Left untreated, HCM can be life threatening.
The dosage of Camzyos you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- how you respond to the medication, including your symptoms and ability to perform physical activities
- your heart function as measured on an echocardiogram
- other medications you may be taking
- other health conditions you may have
Camzyos has boxed warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for risk of heart failure. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Because of this risk, your heart function must be evaluated before you start Camzyos and periodically during your treatment. Also, certain other medications are contraindicated if you take Camzyos, and the drug is only available through a special safety program (see “Camzyos REMS program” below).
Camzyos is available only through a restricted safety program called the Camzyos Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This is an FDA-required safety program for certain medications with serious safety concerns.
- Requirements: You must undergo regular echocardiograms to continue receiving the medication (typically at weeks 4, 8, and 12, then every 6 months if a stable dose has been reached)
- Certification: Both your doctor and your pharmacy must be certified in the program.
For more details about the Camzyos REMS program and echocardiogram scheduling, talk with your doctor.
Camzyos comes as a capsule that you swallow whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the capsule. If you have trouble taking Camzyos, see these tips for how to swallow a pill or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You can take Camzyos with or without food. But you should not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you’re prescribed Camzyos. Grapefruit can interact with Camzyos. This can increase your risk of side effects from Camzyos, including heart failure.
It’s important not to take Camzyos if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. According to animal studies, Camzyos may be harmful to a fetus. People who can become pregnant should use birth control while taking Camzyos and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
Camzyos may also make some types of hormonal birth control pills less effective. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you’re planning to use hormonal birth control while taking Camzyos. They can advise you on the most effective birth control to use.
Yes, Camzyos is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of new or worsening heart failure when taking Camzyos. These include:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue or unusual tiredness
- chest pain
- leg swelling (edema)
- rapid weight gain
- palpitations or racing heart
Overdose
Do not take more Camzyos than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Taking too much Camzyos can cause the following problems:
- cardiac arrest from a stopped heart
- low blood pressure
- fainting
- heart failure
An overdose of Camzyos can also lead to death.
What to do in case you take too much Camzyos
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Camzyos. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Note: This summary article is for informational purposes only. For more details, see the prescribing information for Camzyos or talk with your doctor. Also, always follow the specific Camzyos dosing instructions provided by your doctor.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.