Uses
What is Darzalex used for?
Darzalex (daratumumab) is commonly used for treating multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer. Darzalex can be used in certain people who have or have not received prior treatment for their condition and who may or may not qualify for other treatments, such as a stem cell transplant. Depending on the specifics of your condition, Darzalex may be used by itself or in combination with other medicines.
Darzalex may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Other forms of Darzalex are available. See Darzalex Faspro for more information.
How does Darzalex work (mechanism of action)?
Darzalex targets a protein called CD38. CD38 is on the surface of blood and bone marrow cells, including the cells that cause multiple myeloma. Darzalex attaches itself to CD38 and prevents the cells from growing and eventually making them die.
How is Darzalex supplied (dosage forms)?
Darzalex is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Darzalex?
Darzalex is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Darzalex?
The most common side effects of Darzalex are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Blood disorders (see below)
- Infusion reactions (see below)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nerve problems
- Tiredness
- Fluid retention
- Nausea
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
There may be other side effects of Darzalex that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Darzalex?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Darzalex are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Darzalex may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Darzalex and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Infusion Reactions. Darzalex can cause severe infusion reactions that can be serious and even life-threatening. Stop using Darzalex and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of infusion reactions.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Cough
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Throat tightness or irritation or wheezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Itching
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Discomfort or pain in the chest
- Blurred vision
Changes in Blood Tests. Darzalex can change certain blood tests to make them match your blood type. These changes can last for up to 6 months after your last dose. Tell all healthcare providers that you are being treated with Darzalex before you receive a blood transfusion.
Blood Disorders. Darzalex can cause blood disorders, such as low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). Stop using Darzalex and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Darzalex?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Darzalex.
- Darzalex
- Daratumumab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Darzalex.
What should I know about Darzalex before using it?
Do not use Darzalex unless it has been prescribed by a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will store and give you the medicine.
Darzalex will be given to you by your healthcare provider as an infusion through a vein over a period of time. Your healthcare provider may also instruct you to take certain medicines before or after you receive your Darzalex dose. These medicines can help to prevent infusion-related side effects.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Darzalex?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Darzalex is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Breathing or lung problems
- Have had shingles (herpes zoster)
- Have ever had or may currently have a hepatitis B infection
- Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)
Pregnancy. Darzalex may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Darzalex. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Darzalex and for 3 months after your last dose.
Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Darzalex while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Darzalex passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Darzalex?
For more information about Darzalex, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.darzalex.com or call them at 844-628-1234.
Interactions
Does Darzalex interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Darzalex and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Darzalex.
Does Darzalex interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Darzalex and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Darzalex. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Darzalex?
If you or someone else has used too much Darzalex, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Darzalex?
Darzalex is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Darzalex as scheduled. If you miss an appointment, call your healthcare provider right away to reschedule.