DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Daratumumab injection

May 15, 2020

Daratumumab injection

What is this medicine?

DARATUMUMAB (dar a toom ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat multiple myeloma.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • chills

  • cough

  • dizziness

  • feeling faint or lightheaded

  • headache

  • low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

  • nausea, vomiting

  • shortness of breath

  • signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

  • signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • back pain

  • constipation

  • loss of appetite

  • diarrhea

  • joint pain

  • muscle cramps

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

  • tiredness

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions have not been studied.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, herpes, or hepatitis B virus)

  • lung or breathing disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to daratumumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions. To reduce your risk you may need to take medicine before treatment with this medicine. Take your medicine as directed.

This medicine can affect the results of blood tests to match your blood type. These changes can last for up to 6 months after the final dose. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to match your blood type before you start treatment. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are being treated with this medicine before receiving a blood transfusion.

This medicine can affect the results of some tests used to determine treatment response; extra tests may be needed to evaluate response.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 3 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Updated:  

May 15, 2020