Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma). This medication contains 2 ingredients: daratumumab and hyaluronidase. Daratumumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Hyaluronidase is used to help the body absorb daratumumab, which helps it work better.

This medication is also used to treat light chain (AL) amyloidosis.

This monograph is about the following daratumumab/hyaluronidase products: daratumumab/hyaluronidase, daratumumab/hyaluronidase-fihj.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using daratumumab/hyaluronidase and each time you receive this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection under the skin of your abdomen by a health care professional. The injection is given over about 3 to 5 minutes. 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. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for your treatment schedule.

Daratumumab/hyaluronidase may cause serious injection reactions during or soon after treatment. 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 an injection reaction such as throat tightness, trouble breathing, itchy/runny/stuffy nose, chills, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, fever, cough, headache, itching, dizziness, fast heartbeat.

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 the days on the calendar when you need to receive this medication.

Side Effects

See also How to Use section.

Tiredness, back pain, joint pain, diarrhea/constipation, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. Skin reactions at or near the injection site can happen, sometimes more than 24 hours after the injection. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, bruising, or redness of the skin. 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
• numbness/tingling/pain in the arms or legs
• 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).

Serious (possibly fatal) heart problems have occurred in people using this medication to treat amyloidosis. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart problems, including:

• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• fainting

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.

Precautions

Before using daratumumab/hyaluronidase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to daratumumab or hyaluronidase; or to any daratumumab products; 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:

• breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• liver disease (such as hepatitis B)
• shingles (herpes zoster)

Daratumumab/hyaluronidase 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 this medication 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 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/hyaluronidase. Daratumumab/hyaluronidase may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for at least 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 breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

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.

Missed Dose

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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Medical Alert

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).