Empliciti

What is Empliciti?

Empliciti is an antibody monoclonal that blocks a specific protein within the body, which can cause the growth of tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies specifically target and destroy specific cells within the body. This could help defend healthy cells from harm.Empliciti is utilized as a combination treatment to combat multi myeloma (bone-marrow cancer).Empliciti is administered in conjunction with either lenalidomide or pomalidomide, as well as a steroid medication known as dexamethasone.Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is only available through a specific program. It is necessary to be registered within the program and be aware of the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Side effects of Empliciti

Take immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, e.g., hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,Certain side effects can be experienced during the injection. Contact your physician immediately when you experience dizziness or are itchy, cold, or lightheaded. You may also feel feverish, lightheaded, or short of breath.

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

• Fever, cough, flu-like symptoms;
• Burning or pain after you urinate;
• Itchy skin, itchy rash
• Liver issues nausea and stomach pain, swelling or fatigue,  dark urine, stools that are colored with clay, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin),
• Symptoms of pneumonia such as chills, fever, mucus, cough, chest pain, and feeling exhausted.

The treatment for cancer may be delayed or discontinued permanently when you experience certain adverse negative effects.Common Empliciti side effects can include:

• Fever, cough, tiredness;
• Tingling, numbness, or burning pains in your legs or arms
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of a cold, like a running nose and a sore throat;
• Diarrhea, constipation,
• Increased thirst increases the frequency of urination.

This list may not contain all possible side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not take Empliciti with pomalidomide or lenalidomide when you are pregnant or if you're male and your partner is expecting. You will be legally required to use birth controls in order to keep your baby from becoming pregnant prior to, during, and after treatment with these drugs.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to treat with Empliciti in the event that you are allergic to the drug elotuzumab.Consult your physician if you are suffering from an infection.Utilizing empliciti can increase the chance of developing other forms of cancer. Consult your physician regarding your particular risk.Empliciti is used along with pomalidomide or lenalidomide, which should not be consumed during pregnancy. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide have been known to cause serious birth defects or even death for infants when the mother or father is taking the drug during the time of conception or pregnancy. Even one dose of lenalidomide, or pomalidomide, can cause birth defects of a major nature.

• If you're female and pregnant, you should be tested for pregnancy prior to starting treatment and every month throughout treatment. It is recommended to use two types of birth control prior to, during, and following chemotherapy.
• If you're a male and are a man, you should not take lenalidomide or pomalidomide when your partner in a relationship is expecting or might be pregnant. These drugs can alter your sperm count and result in birth defects for the infant. Use condoms that contain latex whenever you are sexually active with a woman who is likely to become pregnant, regardless of whether you've undergone the vasectomy.
• Be sure to follow the instructions for the use of birth control when taking Empliciti with pomalidomide or lenalidomide, regardless of whether you're either female or male.
• Inform your doctor immediately. If you become pregnant when either the mother or the father are taking Empliciti using pomalidomide or lenalidomide,

Stop taking these drugs and notify your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you stop using birth control, if your period isn't coming on, or if you think that you are pregnant.Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are available only from a licensed pharmacy through a specific program. You must sign up with the program and accept to utilize birth control measures in accordance with the requirements.It is not recommended to breastfeed during the use of empliciti using dexamethasone and lenalidomide.

How to take Empliciti?

Empliciti is administered as an infusion to the vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection. The medicine should be administered slowly. The injection can take up to 30 minutes before it is completed.Empliciti is prescribed in conjunction with other medications. It is also possible to receive medication to avoid certain side effects when you're taking this medicine. Follow all medications as prescribed by your physician. Check all the information about your patient, including the medication guides and instructions sheets that are provided to you. Don't alter your dose or schedule without consulting your physician.Empliciti is usually prescribed every one to four weeks. It is possible that you will have to take other medications on a regular basis. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and study all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.The combination chemotherapy is administered in a 28-day cycle. Your physician will decide the duration of treatment with elotuzumab.Empliciti may affect the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking this medication.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Myeloma:

10 mg/kg IV once a week for the initial 2 cycles, then every 2 weeks thereafter, until progression of disease or unacceptably toxic
Cycles 1 and 2: 10 mg/kg intravenously once every week on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of the 28-day cycle
Cycle 3 and beyond: 10 mg/kg IV every two weeks between days 1 through 15 of a 28-day cycle
Manufacturer-recommended infusion rate (at the suggested concentration in the range of 25 mg/mL):
CYCLE 1, DOSE 1:
time interval of 0 to 30 min; rate 0.5 mg/min
Time interval of 30 to 60 minutes; rate: 1 mL/min
Time interval of 60 min or more; rate of 2 mL/min
CYCLE 1, DOSE 2:
time interval of 0 to 30 minutes; rate of 3 mL/min
30-minute interval or more; rate: 4 mL/min
CYCLE 1, DOSE 3 AND 4, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT CYCLES:
Rate: 5 mL/min
Comments:
Cycle length: 28 days.
The drug is prescribed in conjunction with lenalidomide as well as dexamethasone. Refer to the dexamethasone prescribing instructions for additional details.
Patients must be administered premedicated for at least 45–90 minutes prior to the infusion of elotuzumab by dexamethasone, an antipyretic and H1 blocker in addition to the H2 blocker. The manufacturer suggests dexamethasone 28 mg taken orally 3 to 24 hours prior to the elotuzumab injection and dexamethasone 8 mg IV between 45 and 90 minutes prior to the infusion. On days when the elotuzumab dose is not given, however, dexamethasone is due (e.g., day 8 or 22 in the 3rd cycle and beyond), apply the standard dexamethasone dosage (40 mg per day), acetaminophen up to 650 mg orally, diphenhydramine 25–50 mg either orally or intravenously (or a similar H1 blocker), and the drug ranitidine 500 mg intravenously or 150 mg in a single dose (or an equivalent blocker of H2).
Use: When combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone to aid in treatments for patients suffering from multiple myeloma who have received one to three previous treatments

What happens if I miss the dose?

Consult your physician for the proper procedure. If you do not make an appointment to receive the empliciti injection,

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Don't give blood or sperm during the time you're taking Empliciti with pomalidomide or lenalidomide and for a period of 4 weeks following the time you stop using it.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications can interfere with elotuzumab. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.