Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase - Daratumumab; Hyaluronidase Injection
What is this medication?
DARATUMUMAB; HYALURONIDASE (dar a toom ue mab; hye al ur ON i dase) treats multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. Daratumumab works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. Hyaluronidase works by increasing the absorption of other medications in the body to help them work better. This medication may also be used treat amyloidosis, a condition that causes the buildup of a protein (amyloid) in your body. It works by reducing the buildup of this protein, which decreases symptoms. It is a combination medication that contains a monoclonal antibody.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DARZALEX FASPRO
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Heart disease
- Infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes, hepatitis B
- Lung or breathing disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to daratumumab, hyaluronidase, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions have not been studied.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
This medication can cause serious allergic reactions. To reduce your risk, your care team may give you other medication to take before receiving this one. Be sure to follow the directions from your care team.
This medication can affect the results of blood tests to match your blood type. These changes can last for up to 6 months after the final dose. Your care team will do blood tests to match your blood type before you start treatment. Tell all of your care team that you are being treated with this medication before receiving a blood transfusion.
This medication can affect the results of some tests used to determine treatment response; extra tests may be needed to evaluate response.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you are pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy and for 3 months after the last dose. A reliable form of contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase
Self-Care Tips
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
