What is Daratumumab?
Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody, blocks a protein that may affect the growth of tumor cells. A monoclonal antibody is made to destroy and target only specific cells in the human body. This could help protect healthy cells. Daratumumab can be used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Daratumumab can be given when other cancer treatments have failed or stopped working. Daratumumab can be used with a combination of other cancer medications plus a steroid medication. Daratumumab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Daratumumab
If you encounter symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, including: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to your face, lips or throat - seek medical advice immediately!Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your caregiver if you experience nausea, dizziness, nausea, a headache, or any other side effects.
Daratumumab may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Cough with yellow or green Mucus
- Wheezing and feeling short of breath are symptoms of stabbing chest pain.
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain,
- Low blood cell counts can cause fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as mouth sores or skin sores. They may also result in easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin on the hands and feet, and a feeling of being lightheaded.
Should side effects arise during treatment for cancer, its execution could be postponed or suspended altogether.
Daratumumab can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhea;
- Fever;
- Shortness of breath
- Nerve problems that cause tingling, numbness, or pain
- Feeling tired or weak?
- You may experience swelling of your hands, feet, ankles, or other parts.
- Cold symptoms, including stuffy noses, sneezing, and coughing.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report side effects contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Blenrep, Tecvayli, Xpovio, Kyprolis, Elrexfio, Talvey, and Revlimid
Warnings
Tell your caregivers if you need a blood transfusion that you're being treated with Daratumumab. Daratumumab may cause the virus to be active or worse if you have ever had hepatitis B. If you feel unwell and have upper right stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or yellowing in your skin or eyes, tell your doctor. Follow all instructions for the use of contraception when you are taking daratumumab with other medications.
Before you take this drug
Daratumumab should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Hepatitis B;
- A breathing disorder;
- Shingles is also known as Herpes Zoster.
Daratumumab can harm a developing baby. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with daratumumab and for 3 months following the last dose. Daratumumab can be used in conjunction with lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Men and women who use these drugs are required to use birth control. If the mother or father is taking lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide during pregnancy or at conception, even one dose could cause serious birth defects. Follow all instructions regarding birth control when using Daratumumab with other medications. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Daratumumab?
Daratumumab can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Daratumumab can be given once every one to three weeks in the initial weeks of treatment. Once every four weeks, it will be given until your body stops responding to the medication. Daratumumab treatment will be determined by your doctor. Other medications may be prescribed to prevent allergic reactions or serious side effects. Continue to use these medications as prescribed by your doctor. Medical tests will be required frequently. Daratumumab may affect blood tests used to determine your blood type. Tell your caregivers if you require a transfusion. Daratumumab may affect blood typing tests up to six months after stopping use. Daratumumab may cause the virus to be active or worsen if you have ever had hepatitis B. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking this medication and for several months following its discontinuation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment for the daratumumab shot, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because daratumumab will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Daratumumab can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.Informing your physician of all medications you are currently taking and those which you stop or start taking is vitally important for keeping a safe lifestyle.
