The U.S. FDA-approved Daratumumab to treat people with multiple myeloma conditions on November 16, 2015. 

Daratumumab is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is used to treat a type of cancer called multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) in adults 18 years or older.

A trained doctor or nurse should only administer it. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for unwanted side effects. 

The most common side effects of Daratumumab are nausea, vomiting, back pain, muscle spasms, diarrhea, tiredness, shortness of breath, upper respiratory tract infection, tingling, numbness, pain constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and joint pain. 

Serious side effects while taking Daratumumab are infusion reactions (itching, wheezing, chills, fever, throat tightness, runny nose, headache, low pressure), changes in blood tests, decrease in blood cell counts. 

Report to your doctor if you have ever had a hepatitis B infection; this medicine may cause the hepatitis B virus to become active again. Daratumumab can decrease platelets (helps in blood clotting) and white blood cell counts (helps fight infections). Do not take a Daratumumab injection if you are allergic to Daratumumab or other medicine ingredients. Inform your doctor if you get any infusion-related reactions, such as swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. If you notice any infusion reactions, you need other medicine, or the infusion will be slowed down or stopped. 

Consult your doctor if you are on a salt-controlled diet, as this medicine contains sodium. Tell your physician if you have a history of breathing problems (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or had shingles before taking Daratumumab. This medicine can change the results of blood tests to match your blood type. You must tell your healthcare provider you are being treated with this medicine before receiving blood transfusions. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Use effective contraception during and after the treatment for three months. 

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.  Store Daratumumab in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Contact your doctor for more concerns. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately. It is not advised to use in children and adolescents.

1. Janssen-Cilag International NV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Feb 2023] [ Accessed on 1 May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7250.pdf
2. Janssen Biotech, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on May 2018] [ Accessed on 1 May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/761036s013lbl.pdf
3. Danai Dima et al.; Evaluating Daratumumab in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: Safety, Efficacy, and Place in Therapy; Cancer Management and Research; Published on 26/08/2020; Accessed on 1 May 2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7457558/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.