Darzalex

Generic Name: Daratumumab (dar a TOOM ue mab)
Brand Name: Darzalex

Medically reviewed on May 2, 2018

Uses of Darzalex:

• It is used to treat multiple myeloma.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Darzalex?

• If you have an allergy to Darzalex (daratumumab) or any part of Darzalex (daratumumab).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Darzalex (daratumumab) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Darzalex?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Darzalex (daratumumab). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Infusion reactions have happened with Darzalex (daratumumab). Sometimes, these could be very bad or life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.
• Other drugs may be given to help with infusion side effects.
• You may need to take another drug to prevent herpes zoster (shingles). Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. This may last for up to 6 months after your last dose. Be sure your doctor and lab workers know you take Darzalex (daratumumab).
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may have more of a chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Some infections have been very bad and even deadly.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you have taken Darzalex (daratumumab) and you are getting a blood transfusion, talk with your doctor.
• If you have upset stomach, throwing up, loose stools (diarrhea), or are not hungry, talk with your doctor. There may be ways to lower these side effects.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking Darzalex (daratumumab) and for 3 months after care ends.
• If you get pregnant while taking Darzalex (daratumumab) or within 3 months after your last dose, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Darzalex) best taken?

Use Darzalex (daratumumab) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time after being added to fluids.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Shortness of breath.
• Headache.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Wheezing or coughing.
• Stuffy nose.
• Runny nose.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Chest pain.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of Darzalex?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling tired or weak.
• Back pain.
• Joint pain.
• Bone pain.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Hard stools (constipation).
• Not hungry.
• Muscle spasm.
• Not able to sleep.
• Shakiness.
• Anxiety.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Darzalex?

• If you need to store Darzalex (daratumumab) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer information use

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Darzalex (daratumumab), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer