How it Works

Daratumumab is a targeted monoclonal antibody that helps slow or stop the progression of multiple myeloma in several ways. 

• By attaching itself to multiple myeloma cells in the body, specifically to a protein called CD38, which is present in high numbers on the surface of multiple myeloma cells, allowing your immune system to destroy them
• By blocking cell growth or other functions necessary for cell growth

How it’s Administered

Daratumumab can be given alone or together with other medicines used to treat multiple myeloma. Daratumumab will be given to you by your healthcare provider by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein. The dose depends on your size, and it is usually given at a dose of 16mg/kg actual body weight. The time between doses will be decided by your doctor depending on your health conditions. It is usually given every one to three weeks for the first few weeks of treatment, depending on what other therapies you have received for multiple myeloma. Then the frequency of infusions is reduced to once every four weeks.

Some medications can be given before and after the infusion to prevent reactions to the medicine:

• IV corticosteroid
• Acetaminophen 
• Oral or IV antihistamine 

The first infusion needs to be given slowly (over approximately 7 to 8 hours) to prevent the risk of allergic reactions. The risk of reactions decreases with subsequent infusions, which can be given over about 4 hours for the second infusion and 3 hours for the following infusions.

Who Should Take Darzalex

Darzalex is currently approved for:

• Patients with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma 
• Patients with one or more prior multiple myeloma treatments 

Who Shouldn’t Take Darzalex

• Patients with a history of a severe allergic reaction to daratumumab

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Darzalex Include: 

• Fatigue
• Nausea, constipation, and/or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle spasms
• Joint pain
• Back pain,
• Shortness of breath 
• Fever 
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Cough and cold-like symptoms
• Increased risk of infection (principally upper respiratory infections)
• Nerve damage causing tingling, numbness or pain (Peripheral neuropathy)
• Swollen hands, ankles, or feet (Peripheral edema)

Commonly Used With 

• Lenalidomide and dexamethasone 
• Bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone
• Bortezomib and dexamethasone 
• Carfilzomib and dexamethasone 
• Pomalidomide and dexamethasone 
• Ixazomib 

Currently Being Tested With Daratumumab

• Steroids: Dexamethasone, Prednisone
• Chemotherapeutic drugs: Melphalan flufenamide, cyclophosphamide
• Immunomodulators agents: Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide, Thalidomide
• CeLMOD: Iberdomide
• Proteasome inhibitors: Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib
• Monoclonal antibodies: Durvalumab, Nivolumab
• Others: Ciforadenant, all-trans retinoic acid

Learn more about your treatments in Cure Hub