Camzyos is a breakthrough prescription medicine designed to treat a specific type of heart disease known as symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) in adults. This condition causes the walls of the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Camzyos helps improve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue—improving quality of life for many patients.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Camzyos is, how it works, who it’s prescribed for, possible side effects, safety considerations, and common patient questions. The goal is to provide a clear, reliable overview so you can better understand this important treatment option.
Quick Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s instructions before starting, stopping, or adjusting any medication.
What Is Camzyos?
- Brand name: Camzyos
- Generic name: Mavacamten
- Drug class: Cardiac myosin inhibitor
- Approved use: Treatment of adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM).
Camzyos is the first FDA-approved cardiac myosin inhibitor. It was developed specifically to address the underlying cause of oHCM rather than just treating the symptoms.
Camzyos is available as oral capsules in different strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg).
How Does Camzyos Work?
Camzyos works in a unique way compared to traditional heart medicines:
- Blocks excessive cardiac myosin activity: In oHCM, the heart muscle contracts too forcefully. Camzyos directly reduces the overactivity of myosin, the motor protein that drives heart contraction.
- Improves blood flow: By reducing the extra force, Camzyos allows the heart’s left ventricle to relax and pump blood more efficiently.
- Relieves obstruction: It lowers the pressure that blocks blood flow from the heart, which is the main problem in oHCM.
This action helps patients feel less breathless and fatigued, improving day-to-day function.
Common Uses of Camzyos
Doctors prescribe Camzyos for adult patients with symptomatic oHCM, particularly when:
- Patients experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting with exertion.
- Symptoms affect daily life despite using standard heart medicines (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, disopyramide).
- Surgery (such as septal myectomy) or advanced treatments are not immediately suitable.
Dosage & Administration
Only a cardiologist experienced in managing oHCM should start Camzyos. It must be prescribed under a REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program because of the risk of reduced heart pumping.
Usual Dosage
- Starting dose: Often 5 mg once daily.
- Dose adjustments: May increase or decrease depending on echocardiogram results and symptoms.
- Maintenance dose: Typically between 2.5 mg and 15 mg daily.
Administration Tips
- Take Camzyos once a day, with or without food.
- Swallow capsules whole—do not crush or chew.
- Regular echocardiograms are required to monitor heart function.
- Never change your dose on your own. Follow your doctor’s schedule.
Side Effects of Camzyos
Like all medicines, Camzyos may cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them, but knowing the possibilities helps patients recognize issues early.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath (if heart function becomes too weak)
Serious Side Effects
- Heart failure symptoms: Swelling in legs, sudden weight gain, severe shortness of breath.
- Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): The heart may pump too weakly if Camzyos lowers contractility excessively.
If any severe reaction occurs, seek medical care immediately.
Warnings & Precautions
- Heart monitoring: Regular echocardiograms are required before and during treatment.
- Drug interactions: Strong CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers (such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, rifampin) may dangerously affect Camzyos levels.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended; effects on unborn or nursing babies are unknown.
- Alcohol: Should be limited, as it can worsen heart function.
Drug Interactions
Camzyos can interact with several medications, including:
- Certain antifungal drugs (itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- Antibiotics (clarithromycin)
- Seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
- Heart medicines that also affect contractility
Always provide your doctor with a full medication list before starting Camzyos.
Camzyos vs Other Treatments
- Traditional drugs (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers): Reduce symptoms but don’t target the disease mechanism.
- Surgical myectomy/alcohol septal ablation: More invasive, typically for severe cases.
- Camzyos: First targeted therapy that addresses the underlying protein overactivity.
For many patients, Camzyos reduces or delays the need for invasive surgery.
Cost & Availability
- Camzyos is a prescription-only medicine.
- Pricing varies by region and insurance, but it is considered an expensive treatment.
- Patient assistance programs are available through the manufacturer (Bristol Myers Squibb).
Special Section: Camzyos REMS Program
Because Camzyos can weaken the heart’s pumping ability too much, it’s available only under the REMS program:
- Patients must enroll before starting treatment.
- Doctors and pharmacies must be certified.
- Regular echocardiogram checks are mandatory.
This ensures safe use and reduces the risk of heart failure.
Proper Care While on Camzyos
- Keep all scheduled echocardiogram and doctor visits.
- Report any new or worsening shortness of breath, swelling, or chest pain.
- Take your medicine at the same time every day.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Camzyos used for?
Camzyos is prescribed for adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM).
Q2. How does Camzyos work?
It reduces excessive contraction of the heart muscle, improving blood flow and relieving symptoms.
Q3. Is Camzyos safe?
Yes, when monitored correctly through the REMS program. Regular heart tests are required.
Q4. Can I take Camzyos with food?
Yes, Camzyos can be taken with or without food.
Q5. What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up.
Q6. Is Camzyos a cure for HCM?
No, it’s not a cure, but it significantly improves symptoms and quality of life.
Q7. How long will I need to take Camzyos?
It depends on your response and your doctor’s evaluation.
Q8. Who makes Camzyos?
Bristol Myers Squibb manufactures Camzyos.
Q9. Is Camzyos available generically?
Currently, only brand-name Camzyos (mavacamten) is available.
Q10. Can I drink alcohol on Camzyos?
Alcohol should be limited, as it may worsen heart function.
Q11. Does insurance cover Camzyos?
Many insurance plans cover it, but patient assistance programs are also available.
Q12. Can Camzyos be combined with other heart medicines?
Sometimes, but your doctor will carefully adjust doses to avoid risks.
Final Thoughts
Camzyos (mavacamten) is a groundbreaking therapy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unlike older medicines, it targets the root problem—excessive heart contraction—helping many patients breathe easier and live more actively.
To get the best results:
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
- Keep up with required monitoring.
- Work closely with your cardiologist to adjust doses safely.
When used correctly under REMS supervision, Camzyos can transform life for people with oHCM.
