What is Elotuzumab?
Elotuzumab is a component of chemotherapy for the treatment of multi myeloma (bone-marrow cancer). Elotuzumab is administered in conjunction with the drugs lenalidomide or pomalidomide, as well as a steroid medication called dexamethasone.Elotuzumab can also be used to treat conditions that are not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Elotuzumab
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,Certain side effects can be observed when you inject. Contact your physician immediately when you experience dizziness, itching, chill, lightheadedness, feverishness, or shortness of breath.Elotuzumab may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Fever, cough, flu-like symptoms;
- Discomfort or burning sensation during urination;
- Painful skin rash;
- Problems with the liver: loss of appetite, nausea, stomach swelling or pain, fatigue, dark urine, stools that are colored with clay, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), as well as
- Symptoms of signs of pneumonia include chills, fever, cough, mucusy chest pain, being short of breath, and chills.
Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently when you experience certain negative side effects.
Common adverse effects of elotuzumab could be:
- Fever, cough, tiredness;
- Numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning pains in your legs or arms;
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms of a cold, like nasal congestion as well as a sore throat;
- Diarrhea, constipation,
- Increased thirst increases the frequency of urination.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. Other side effects could occur.Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Darzalex, Blenrep, Tecvidli, Carvykti, Revlimid, Velcade, and Pomalyst
Warnings
Do not take the elotuzumab combination with lenalidomide and pomalidomide when you are pregnant or if you're male and your partner is expecting. You will be required to take contraceptives to avoid pregnancy prior to, during, and after treatment with these drugs.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat with elotuzumab if you are sensitive to it. Tell your doctor if you have any health issues. The use of elotuzumab can increase your chances of developing other forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor regarding your risk.
Elotuzumab is a medication that can be taken in conjunction with pomalidomide or lenalidomide that should not be consumed during pregnancy. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide have been known to cause serious birth defects or even death for babies when the mother or father is taking the medication during the time of conception or the pregnancy. Even one dose of pomalidomide or lenalidomide could cause birth defects of a major nature.
- If you're a female and are pregnant, you should be tested for pregnancy prior to starting treatment and then every month throughout treatment. It is recommended to take two forms of birth control prior to, during, and following chemotherapy.
- If you're a male and are a man, you should not take lenalidomide and pomalidomide if you or your partner is pregnant or may be pregnant. These medications can affect your sperm and can cause defects during the pregnancy of your infant. Make sure to use condoms made of latex when you are having sex with someone who has the potential to become pregnant, regardless of whether you've undergone an operation such as a vasectomy.
- Follow all directions regarding the use of birth control when taking elotuzumab along with lenalidomide or pomalidomide, regardless of whether you're a male or woman.
- Inform your doctor immediately If you become pregnant in the presence of either the father is taking lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or elotuzumab.
Stop taking these medications and contact your doctor at any time if you have stopped taking birth control pills, if your period isn't coming on or you suspect you may be pregnant. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide can be purchased only through a pharmacy that is certified through a specific program. You must be enrolled with the program and accept to utilize birth control methods as prescribed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with elotuzumab, dexamethasone, and lenalidomide.
How to take Elotuzumab?
Elotuzumab is administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection. The injection of elotuzumab should be done slowly. The injection can take up to 30 minutes before it is completed. Elotuzumab is administered in conjunction with other medications. It is also possible to receive medication to reduce certain adverse effects when you're receiving Elotuzumab. Take all medications as instructed by your physician. Review all information for patients, such as medication guides, medication information, and instructions sheets that are provided to you. Don't alter your dosages or schedule without consulting your physician. Elotuzumab is typically given every one to four weeks. You might need to take other medicines daily. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. Use the medication according to instructions. Your chemotherapy combination will be administered over the course of a 28-day treatment. Your physician will decide the length of time you will be treated with elotuzumab. Elotuzumab may influence the results of specific medical tests. Inform any physician who treats you that you're taking this drug.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the elotuzumab injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Don't give your sperm or blood while you're taking elotuzumab, pomalidomide, or lenalidomide for 4 weeks following the time you stop taking it.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications can affect elotuzumab's effect, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
