This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (multiple myeloma). Daratumumab belongs to a class of drugs known as
monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using daratumumab and each time you
receive this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor on a
treatment schedule, usually once a week for the first 6 to 9 weeks
(depending on your medical condition). Afterward, your doctor may direct
you to receive this medication less often. Follow your doctor's treatment
schedule carefully.
Infusion reactions may happen during or soon after the
infusion of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications before
and after each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Get medical
help right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as
itchy/runny nose, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, fast heartbeat,
trouble breathing, fever, cough, headache, chills, dizziness, or chest
discomfort.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
and response to treatment.
To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help
you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
See also How to Use section.
Tiredness, back pain, joint pain, diarrhea, or loss of
appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- numb/tingling skin
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- blurred vision
- eye pain
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using daratumumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- liver disease (such as hepatitis B)
Daratumumab can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
daratumumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for serious
infections while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using daratumumab.
Daratumumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as Coombs' test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
test for hepatitis B virus) should be done before you start using this
medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and
will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).