OBJECTIVES: For patients with multiple myeloma (MM), many factors can influence healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). This Japan-based study aimed to investigate the effect of disease burden on HCRU in patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), and in patients newly diagnosed with other malignancies, using an administrative claims database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using health insurance data from a JMDC claims database. Data were extracted for patients aged ≥20 years with NDMM (ICD-10-CM: C90.0), newly diagnosed hematologic malignancies excluding MM (ICD-10-CM: C81–96 excluding C90.0), and newly diagnosed solid tumors (ICD-10-CM: C00–80) between January 2006 and October 2016. Hospitalizations, home medical care, and sick leave absence were evaluated for a 3-year follow-up period after index date. Return to work (RTW) rates were investigated. RESULTS: 230 patients with NDMM, 1,975 patients with newly diagnosed hematologic malignancies excluding MM, and 29,011 patients with newly diagnosed solid tumors were included in this analysis. Mean duration of inpatient care was similar for patients with NDMM and for other hematologic malignancies (77 and 86 days, respectively), and was shorter for patients with solid tumors (35 days). Mean duration of home medical care and sick leave in patients with NDMM (145 and 227 days, respectively) was longer compared with other hematologic malignancies (78 and 179 days) and solid tumors (92 and 122 days). RTW rates were comparable between patients with NDMM and patients with other hematologic malignancies (79.6% and 79.3%, respectively), and higher for those with solid tumors (87.3%). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest there is a considerable burden on HCRU for patients with NDMM, as compared with patients with solid tumors or other hematological malignancies. This study provides insights into the effects of NDMM on the professional and daily lives of patients.