Olaratumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 23, 2024.

Applies to olaratumab: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of olaratumab

Along with its needed effects, olaratumab 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 olaratumab:

More common side effects

• back pain
• blurred vision
• chest tightness
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• difficulty with breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast heartbeat
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• headache
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• nausea and vomiting
• no blood pressure or pulse
• noisy breathing
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• stopping of heart
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of olaratumab

Some side effects of olaratumab 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 side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• cracked lips
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• difficulty with moving
• dry eyes
• fear or nervousness
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints
• sensation of pins and needles
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

For healthcare professionals

Applies to olaratumab: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common (20% or greater) adverse reactions of this drug plus doxorubicin are nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, mucositis, alopecia, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, neuropathy, and headache.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (up to 52%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 73%), mucositis (up to 53%), vomiting (up to 45%), diarrhea (up to 34%), abdominal pain upper/lower (up to 23%)

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Lymphopenia (up to 77%), neutropenia (up to 65%), thrombocytopenia (up to 63%), elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (33%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Treatment emergent immunogenicity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hyperglycemia (up to 52%), appetite decreased (up to 31%), hypokalemia (up to 21%), hypophosphatemia (up to 21%), alkaline phosphatase increased (16%), hypomagnesemia (up to 16%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (i.e., arthralgia, back pain, bone pain, flank pain, groin pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, myalgia, muscle spasms, neck pain, pain in extremity) (up to 64%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Neuropathy (up to 22%), headache (up to 20%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Dry eyes (up to 11%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (up to 69%), flushing, fever/chills (up to 14%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Anxiety (up to 11%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Shortness of breath, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Severe hypotension, cardiac arrest^[Ref]

Further information

Olaratumab 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer