Daratumumab

What is Daratumumab for?

Daratumumab is commonly used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It works by targeting a specific protein on the myeloma cells so your immune system can recognize, attack and kill the myeloma cells.

How should I take or use Daratumumab?

You will receive this medication either into the veins or under the skin.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Daratumumab?

You should inform your doctor immediately.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Daratumumab?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
  • Taking this medication while you are pregnant may harm the unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Daratumumab
• You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed while you are on this medication
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal products.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Daratumumab?

Not applicable

What are some common side effects of Daratumumab?

• Temporary decrease in blood counts
  • This may put you at higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising and feeling tired
  • Reduce your risk of getting an infection by:
    • Maintaining good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often during the day especially before you eat or after using the toilet.
    • Avoiding crowds and staying away from people who are sick. Wear a mask if necessary.
    • Eating freshly cooked food. Avoid raw meats, vegetables, eggs, half-cooked or uncooked food
  • Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding
  • Be careful when handling sharp objects such as scissors or knives
• Loose and frequent stools (diarrhoea)
  • When you are having diarrhoea, reduce intake of foods high in fibre, such as raw fruits and vegetables which may cause softer and more frequent stools
  • Maintain your nutrition by eating easily digestible foods, such as soups, and ensure you are drinking sufficient fluid (at least 2 litres a day)
  • Avoid spicy and/or fried food, alcohol, coffee, tea, milk and dairy products
  • Take antidiarrheal medicine as instructed to manage your diarrhoea. Inform your doctor if the antidiarrhoeal medicine does not help with your diarrhoea
• Hard stools (constipation)
  • Increase intake of foods high in fibre, such as fruits and vegetables, and ensure you are drinking sufficient fluid
  • Increasing daily exercise may also help to improve constipation
• Feeling tired
  • Take short naps or breaks throughout the day
  • Do simple exercises, such as walking to boost your energy
• Muscle/joint pain
  • Painkillers may be prescribed by your doctor to help with the pain
• Administration-related reactions may occur within 48 hours of having Daratumumab
  • You will be prescribed medications before and after the infusion to prevent a reaction
  • Symptoms may include fever, chills, chest pain, fast heartbeat, rash, cough, throat tightness or irritation, runny or stuffy nose, facial swelling or difficulty breathing
  • Inform your nurse immediately if this happens while you are receiving Daratumumab

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other serious side effects include:

• Infections
  • Signs of an infection include:
    • Fever (temperature over 38°C)
    • Chills
    • Severe sore throat
    • Cough with thick or green phlegm
    • Cloudy or foul smelling urine
    • Painful, tender or swollen red skin, wounds or sores
• Unusual bleeding
  • Signs of unusual bleeding include
    • Bruising without a cause or bruising that gets bigger
    • Dark (black or red), sticky stools
    • Coughing out blood
    • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
    • Blood in the urine
    • Bleeding that you cannot stop

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your doctor immediately

How should I store Daratumumab?

Store in the refrigerator between 2^oC to 8^oC. Do not freeze. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Daratumumab safely?

This medication will usually be administered by nurses and be discarded by healthcare professionals after use.