Daratumumab
About
Daratumumab belongs to the group of monoclonal antibodies (anti-cancer medicines) used to treat a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma in adults 18 years or older. Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects several areas of the body, such as the spine, skull, pelvis, and ribs.
Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody, is present in Daratumumab. Daratumumab is meant to bind to certain cancer cells in your body, either directly killing multiple myeloma cells and/or allowing your immune system to identify and destroy them.
Daratumumab should be administered to patients only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects, such as Chills, sore throat, cough, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, itchy, runny or blocked nose, feeling short of breath or other breathing problems, chest discomfort, dizziness or light-headedness (hypotension), itching and wheezing. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Before taking the Daratumumab, inform your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Daratumumab can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months afterwards. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Drive only if alert, as the Daratumumab may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Uses of Daratumumab
Medicinal Benefits
Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody, is present in Daratumumab. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind to specific targets within the body. Daratumumab is a targeted monoclonal antibody meant to bind to certain cancer cells in your body that helps slow or stop the progression of multiple myeloma; it directly kills multiple myeloma cells and/or allows your immune system to identify and destroy them.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Daratumumab
- Chills
- Sore throat, cough
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Itchy, runny, or blocked nose
- Feeling short of breath or other breathing problems
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness or light-headedness (hypotension)
- Itching
- Wheezing
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Daratumumab, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Avoid taking Daratumumab if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or allergic to any component present in Daratumumab. Both women and men using this Daratumumab should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you have a history of low blood pressure; your doctor will closely monitor and manage it. If you are taking medication to help lower your blood pressure, you may need to reduce or discontinue it while taking Daratumumab.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Daratumumab may interact with monoclonal antibodies (e.g. adalimumab), immunomodulatory medication (e.g. baricitinib, fingolimod), vaccines (e.g. BCG Vaccine, Denue vaccine), and antipsychotic medication (e.g. clozapine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have Low blood pressure, hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), breathing problems, shingles (herpes zoster) and renal or hepatic impairment and infections (Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Daratumumab.
Pregnancy
unsafeDaratumumab should not be taken during pregnancy as it might cause fetal harm. Inform your doctor immediately if you are conceiving while on therapy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed when taking Daratumumab as it is unknown if the Daratumumab can pass to your baby in the milk.
Driving
cautionDaratumumab can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded or like you are about to faint. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when taking Daratumumab, you should not operate machinery or drive a car.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Daratumumab if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Daratumumab.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Daratumumab if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Daratumumab.
Children
cautionDo not use this medicine for children between 0 to 18 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Monitoring of complete blood count while taking Daratumumab is advised.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent urinary problems.
- If you are due to have any surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Daratumumab.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night is a common side effect of Daratumumab. This may be minimised by taking Daratumumab in the morning.
- Women who are being given Daratumumab should use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection. In myeloma, the cells grow too much, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells. Multiple myeloma, the most common type of plasma cell tumour, develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body.
FAQs
Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody, is present in Daratumumab. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind to specific targets within the body. Daratumumab directly kills multiple myeloma cells and/or allows your immune system to identify and destroy them.
No, it is unsafe to father a child while taking Daratumumab. It is recommended for sexually active men to use condoms while on treatment and for at least six months after their last dose of Daratumumab.
Daratumumab can affect the results of this blood test. Tell the person doing the test that you are using Daratumumab.
Based on the medical condition, Daratumumab may be given alone or together with other medicines used to treat multiple myeloma.
Tell your healthcare professional immediately if you get any signs of an infusion-related reaction during or three days after the infusion. Your doctor may give other medicines, or the infusion may need to be slowed down or stopped.
Daratumumab can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have signs of bruising or bleeding.
