Daratumumab injection is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) in people who have not improved with treatment or who have improved after treatment with other medications but the condition returned. Daratumumab injection is also used in combination with other medications to treat multiple myeloma in newly diagnosed people who are unable to receive an autologous stem cell transplant (procedure in which certain blood cells are removed from the body and then returned to the body after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment) and in people who have not improved with treatment or who have improved after treatment with other medications but the condition returned after treatment. Daratumumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping the body to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Daratumumab comes as a liquid (solution) that is given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting. Your doctor will decide how often you are to receive daratumumab based on other medications that may be given and your body's response to this medication.
A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and afterwards to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You will be given other medications to help prevent and treat reactions to daratumumab prior to your infusion and for the first and second days after you receive your medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during the infusion or for up to 4 hours after you receive the infusion: cough, wheezing, throat tightness and irritation, itchy, runny, or stuffy nose, headache, itching, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, rash, hives, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of daratumumab or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with daratumumab.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving daratumumab injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss an appointment to receive daratumumab, call your doctor right away.
Daratumumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the HOW section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment.
Daratumumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body's response to daratumumab injection.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving or received daratumumab injection. Daratumumab may affect the results of certain laboratory tests.
Daratumumab can affect blood matching test results for up to 6 months after your final dose. Before having a blood transfusion, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving or received daratumumab injection. Your doctor will do blood tests to match your blood type before you start treatment with daratumumab.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about daratumumab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.