Darzalex.
Daratumumab is a CD38-directed monoclonal antibody that is used to treat relapsed and refractory multiple myelomas.
It is prescribed for patients who have had 3 unsuccessful treatments in the past. Since daratumumab is given intravenously, it should be administered by a doctor or trained medical professional.
It comes in a solution form.
Before agreeing to treatment with daratumumab, you must discuss the associated risks and benefits with your physician. There are a number of factors you need to think about.
If you have had previous hypersensitivity reactions to daratumumab or any of its ingredients, you should inform your physician.
You also need to tell him/her about any allergy to food, dyes, preservatives, animals, and/or other medications.
The effects of daratumumab on children have not been adequately studied, so safety and efficacy have not been established.
However, in geriatric patients, studies have shown that daratumumab has the same effects in this age group as in younger adults.
If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, daratumumab may have harmful effects on your unborn child although there has been little research regarding this.
For breastfeeding, the pros and cons must be considered because it is not known if daratumumab passes in breast milk. Give your physician a complete list of your medications.
This medication can also worsen breathing problems and reactivate herpes zoster infection. Tell your doctor if you have those conditions.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or cancer clinic. This medicine is given through a needle placed into a vein.
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. Be sure to keep all appointments. This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet.
It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
You may receive medicine to prevent shingles within 1 week of starting treatment with daratumumab and continue for 3 months after treatment.
You may also receive medicines (eg, acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, methylprednisolone) to help prevent unwanted reactions to the injection.
You will also need to take precautions while getting daratumumab. Make sure that you keep all your appointments with your physician including follow-up appointments.
In this way, your doctor can monitor your response to treatment, treat side effects and prevent complications. As mentioned earlier, daratumumab can have harmful effects on a fetus.
So use an effective birth control method while undergoing treatment. If you suspect that you’ve become pregnant, tell your physician right away. Daratumumab can also cause life-threatening infusion reactions.
Daratumumab can also alter results of laboratory exams even after 6 months of getting treatment.
That’s why you must inform your healthcare that you are receiving or have received daratumumab in the past 6 months.
Daratumumab has a number of associated side effects but you may only experience some of them.
Less common side effects that need medical attention include confusion, orthostatic hypotension, painful blisters on the trunk of the body, sweating, unusual weakness, or skin rashes.
There are also side effects that don’t need treatment or medical attention.
These include back pain, constipation, cough, difficulty in moving, diarrhea, joint pain, muscle pain or stiffness, loss of appetite, nausea, arm/leg pain, and vomiting.
If you experience other effects not listed here, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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