DARATUMUMAB - INJECTION

DARATUMUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (DAR-a-TOOM-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Darzalex

GENERIC NAME(S): daratumumab

Uses

USES: 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.


How to use DARATUMUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: 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. Daratumumab may cause serious infusion 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 infusion reactions such as itchy/runny nose, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, trouble breathing, fever, cough, headache, or chills. 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

SIDE EFFECTS: 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, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she 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. 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.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: 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). Daratumumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. 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). 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 stopping treatment. 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.

Interactions

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

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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for DARATUMUMAB - INJECTION

Daratumumab is a medication that is used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Daratumumab works by targeting and binding to a protein called CD38, which is found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. This action helps to kill the cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

Daratumumab is typically given by injection into a vein (intravenous infusion) by a healthcare professional. The injection is given once a week for the first 8 weeks, then once every 2 weeks for about 7 months, and finally once every 4 weeks thereafter.

Common side effects of daratumumab may include infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea, rash), fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, muscle spasms, back pain, and upper respiratory tract infections. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during treatment to manage any side effects.

The duration of daratumumab treatment can vary depending on your individual response and treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration for your specific condition.

Yes, daratumumab is often used in combination with other medications such as dexamethasone, lenalidomide, or bortezomib. The specific combination therapy will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances.

Daratumumab should not be used in patients who are allergic to it or have experienced a severe infusion reaction in the past. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking or medical conditions you have before starting daratumumab.

Daratumumab has been shown to be effective in treating multiple myeloma, both in newly diagnosed cases and in those who have relapsed or refractory disease. It has demonstrated improved overall response rates and prolonged progression-free survival in clinical trials.

Insurance coverage for daratumumab can vary depending on the individual's insurance plan and policies. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.