Daratumumab (Darzalex, Janssen) is an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma; the drug is administered as an IV infusion. This section discusses the common adverse reactions, warnings and precautions, drug interactions, and other contraindications associated with daratumumab.
Topics Covered:
Common adverse reactions
Warnings and precautions
Drug interactions and other contraindications
Daratumumab common adverse reactions
Adverse reactions reported by at least 20% of patients in daratumumab clinical trials included infusion reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, muscle spasms, back pain, fever, cough, dyspnea, peripheral edema, peripheral sensory neuropathy and upper respiratory tract infection.
Daratumumab warnings and precautions
Severe and life-threatening infusion reactions may occur in patients receiving daratumumab; patients should be premedicated with an antihistamine, an antipyretic and a corticosteroid before infusion. Severe reactions may result in interruption or discontinuation of treatment.
Daratumumab can interfere with serological testing, as it binds to CD38 on the surface of red blood cells; this results in a positive indirect antiglobulin test, and can also mask the detection of antibodies to minor serum antigens. This interference may persist for up to 6 months after the last infusion of daratumumab. Blood transfusion centers should be apprised of this interference.
Complete blood counts should be monitored throughout treatment to assess for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
Daratumumab drug interactions and other contraindications
There are no known drug interactions or contraindications associated with daratumumab.
Thank you for participating in this module. Click below to download the certificate.