Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase-fihj Injection : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More
Why is this medication prescribed?
Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection is used with other medications to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) in newly diagnosed adults who are unable to receive certain other treatments. Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection is also used in combination with other medications to treat multiple myeloma in adults that has returned or has not improved after other treatment(s). This medication is also used alone to treat adults with multiple myeloma who have received at least three lines of treatment with other medications and were not treated successfully. Daratumumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping the body to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Hyaluronidase-fihj is an endoglycosidase. It helps to keep daratumumab in the body longer so that the medication will have a greater effect.
How should this medicine be used?
Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) into the abdomen (stomach) over 3 to 5 minutes. The length of your treatment will depend on your condition and how well your body responds to treatment.
A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the medication and afterwards to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You will be given other medications to help prevent and treat reactions to daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj before and after you receive your medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, throat tightness and irritation, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, itching, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, rash, hives, or dizziness or lightheadedness.
Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to daratumumab, hyaluronidase-fihj, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had shingles (a painful rash that occurs after infection with herpes zoster or chickenpox), hepatitis B (a virus that infects the liver and may cause severe liver damage), or breathing problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj and for at least 3 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about types of birth control that will work for you. If you become pregnant while receiving daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
- back pain
- itching, swelling, bruising, or redness of the skin at the injection site
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the HOW section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- pale skin, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- yellow eyes or skin; dark urine; or pain or discomfort in right upper stomach area
Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to daratumumab injection and hyaluronidase-fihj.
Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj can affect blood matching test results during your treatment and for up to 6 months after your final dose. Before having a blood transfusion, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving or received daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injection. Your doctor will do blood tests to match your blood type before you start treatment with daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Darzalex Faspro®
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.