DARATUMUMAB
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Daratumumab for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma on November 16, 2015.
Uses
Daratumumab is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is used to treat a type of cancer called multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) in adults 18 years or older.
How is it administered?
A trained doctor or nurse should only administer it. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Daratumumab are nausea, vomiting, back pain, muscle spasms, diarrhea, tiredness, shortness of breath, upper respiratory tract infection, tingling, numbness, pain constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and joint pain. Serious side effects while taking Daratumumab are infusion reactions (itching, wheezing, chills, fever, throat tightness, runny nose, headache, low pressure), changes in blood tests, decrease in blood cell counts.
Warnings
Report to your doctor if you have ever had a hepatitis B infection; this medicine may cause the hepatitis B virus to become active again. Daratumumab can decrease platelets (helps in blood clotting) and white blood cell counts (helps fight infections). Do not take a Daratumumab injection if you are allergic to Daratumumab or other medicine ingredients. Inform your doctor if you get any infusion-related reactions, such as swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. If you notice any infusion reactions, you need other medicine, or the infusion will be slowed down or stopped.
Precautions
Consult your doctor if you are on a salt-controlled diet, as this medicine contains sodium. Tell your physician if you have a history of breathing problems (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or had shingles before taking Daratumumab. This medicine can change the results of blood tests to match your blood type. You must tell your healthcare provider you are being treated with this medicine before receiving blood transfusions. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Use effective contraception during and after the treatment for three months.
Word of Advice
Store daratumumab in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Do not freeze. Consult your doctor if you have additional storage concerns. If you have missed a dosing appointment, inform your doctor immediately and reschedule. Daratumumab is not advised for use in children and adolescents.
References
Janssen-Cilag International NV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Feb 2023] [ Accessed on 1 May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7250.pdf Janssen Biotech, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on May 2018] [ Accessed on 1 May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/761036s013lbl.pdf Danai Dima et al.; Evaluating Daratumumab in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: Safety, Efficacy, and Place in Therapy; Cancer Management and Research; Published on 26/08/2020; Accessed on 1 May 2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7457558/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daratumumab chemotherapy medicine?
No, It is not a type of chemotherapy. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of immunotherapy medication that works by stimulating the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
How often should I need to receive Daratumumab treatments?
The frequency of Daratumumab treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated and other factors, such as the patient's overall health.
Does Daratumumab cure cancer?
Daratumumab is not a cure for cancer. Instead, it can help to slow down or restrict the growth and spread of cancer cells, improving the quality of patients with certain types of cancer.
Do I need to maintain any diet during the treatment with Daratumumab?
No, you dont need to maintain any diet. Instead, inform your doctor if you are on a salt-controlled diet, as this medicine contains sodium.
I had a history of hepatitis B virus. Should I inform it?
Yes, informing the past with HBV and every underlying medical condition before starting the treatment is mandatory.