Camzyos (mavacamten) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Camzyos is used in adults to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). With obstructive HCM, the heart walls are thickened and partially block blood flow out of the heart.
Doctors prescribe Camzyos when you have mild to moderate symptoms during daily activities and no symptoms when you’re resting. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
Camzyos is prescribed to improve these symptoms and functional capacity (your ability to perform daily activities that require physical exertion).
The active ingredient in Camzyos is mavacamten. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of medications called cardiac myosin inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Camzyos, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more, see this in-depth article on Camzyos.
The table below lists typical dosages for Camzyos. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Starting dosage | Dosage range | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg once per day | 2.5 to 15 mg once per day | 15 mg once per day |
Your doctor may increase or decrease your starting dosage after several weeks depending on your condition.
Your medical team will continue to monitor your heart function to determine whether your dosage of Camzyos should be changed.
What is the form of Camzyos?
Camzyos comes as a capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Camzyos come in?
Camzyos is available in the following strengths:
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
What are the usual dosages of Camzyos?
Your doctor will follow recommended dosage guidelines for Camzyos. They’ll likely start by prescribing the suggested starting dose of 5 mg, then adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Before you start taking Camzyos, your doctor will order an echocardiogram of your heart. This test gives them important information including:
- ejection fraction, or how much blood your heart pumps out with each heartbeat
- left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, or how easily the blood exits the heart with each heartbeat
Your doctor will then prescribe a starting dosage of Camzyos for you. The typical starting dosage for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is 5 mg once per day.
It can take several weeks for Camzyos to reduce your symptoms and ability to do physical activities.
You’ll have repeat echocardiograms at 4, 8, and 12 weeks when you first start taking the medication. Depending on your heart function as seen on the echocardiogram, your doctor will adjust your Camzyos dosage after each test. The typical dosage range for Camzyos is 2.5 to 15 mg per day.
Once your doctor has determined the right dosage for you, you’ll continue to have echocardiograms every 12 weeks while taking Camzyos.
You may need to have more frequent echocardiograms if:
- your doctor changes your dosage
- you’re prescribed a new medication
- you develop an irregular heart rhythm
- you develop symptoms of heart failure, such as leg swelling or shortness of breath
If at any point your doctor suspects heart failure, they may decide to pause or stop your treatment.
If you have questions about your dosage of Camzyos, talk with your doctor.
Is Camzyos taken long term?
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.
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 comes as a capsule that you swallow whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the capsule. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
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.
See this overview article on Camzyos if you need information on expiration, storage, or disposal of this medication.
If you have any questions about how to take Camzyos, talk with your doctor.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Camzyos in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Camzyos, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time the following day. But do not take two doses of Camzyos on the same day. This can increase your risk of side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Camzyos on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Camzyos than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Effects of overdose
An overdose can cause the following problems:
- cardiac arrest from a stopped heart
- low blood pressure
- fainting
- heart failure
An overdose of Camzyos can 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.
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.