Elotuzumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 9, 2023.

Applies to elotuzumab: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of elotuzumab

Along with its needed effects, elotuzumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking elotuzumab:

More common

• blurred vision
• body aches or pain
• chest pain
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• confusion
• cough
• dark urine
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• loss of appetite
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• nervousness
• painful or difficult urination
• persistent sore that does not heal
• pink skin growth
• pounding in the ears
• reddish patch or irritated area
• redness of the skin
• runny nose
• shiny skin bump
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach pain or tenderness
• stuffy nose
• sweating
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin
• yellow eyes or skin

Less common

• agitation
• anxiety
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• decreased urine output
• depression
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• hostility
• irritability
• loss of consciousness
• muscle twitching
• pale skin
• rapid weight gain
• seizures
• severe sleepiness
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects of elotuzumab

Some side effects of elotuzumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• blindness
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• decreased appetite
• decreased vision
• decreased weight
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• muscle aches
• night sweats
• pain in the arms or legs
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to elotuzumab: intravenous powder for injection.

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Night sweats^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (47%), constipation (36%), vomiting (15%), oropharyngeal pain (10%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Lymphopenia (13%)
• Frequency not reported: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, deep vein thrombosis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hypoalbuminemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (21%), weight loss (14%)
• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, low bicarbonate, hyperkalemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Pain in extremities (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy (27%), headache (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoesthesia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataracts (12%)^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Invasive second primary malignancies (SPM)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (62%), pyrexia (37%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Altered mood^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough (34%), nasopharyngitis (25%), upper respiratory tract infection (23%), pneumonia (20%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory tract infection, pulmonary embolism^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Herpes zoster^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion related reaction^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is Empliciti (elotuzumab)? and how does Empliciti work?

Further information

Elotuzumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer