After a year remission, my M-spike started to rise and I started Darzalex FastPro as a single agent on Oct. 14. I had done D-RVd in the first line of induction but couldn’t tell the effect of the Darzalex by itself when on all four. I am using it as a single agent because I had so many side effects from the four: pancreatic lesions, possible SCC in the back of the tongue, optic nerve damage, abnormal foramens and densities in my jaw, severe sinusitis, diverticulitis, and purple nails.
I feel totally shut down after each injection. I have learned that the injection is 1800 mg regardless of weight, and that it is considered overdosing if you are lightweight like me. I weigh a little less than 115 lbs. If I were doing the Darzalex IV, which is by weight, the dose would be 16 mg/kg, which for me would be 832 mg. The injection is more than double that!
There are risks, such as neutropenia, from overtreatment. There seem to be greater risk of adverse effects from the IV as opposed to the injection. I am wondering how to weigh the relative risks of overdosing vs IV delivery? And what about comfort and effectiveness? Has anyone experienced both the injection and IV, or has had the IV?
I would love to feel less overwhelmed by the treatment, which seems logical to think would be possible with a lower dose. I would prefer to feel better on the treatment even if it were a little less effective, especially if it caused less side effects.