When your doctor prescribes Daratumumab; Hyaluronidase Injection for you or someone you know, it's normal to have a lot of questions about it. What kind of medicine is this? What happens to the body? What are the things we need to be especially careful about? Don't worry, we'll talk about all this simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two drugs. They are Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase . This vaccine mainly treats a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow called Multiple Myeloma .
Simply put, the part called Daratumumab works by inactivating a protein that helps cancer cells grow. This controls the growth and spread of cancer cells. The other part called Hyaluronidase works by helping the body absorb the drug called Daratumumab better. That is, it increases the effectiveness of the drug.
This medicine is sometimes used to treat a condition called amyloidosis , which is a condition in which a protein called amyloid builds up in the body. This medicine works by reducing the build-up of that protein and controlling symptoms. It is a medicine in a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is essential that your doctor has a complete picture of your health before starting this treatment. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor .
- If you have a heart condition.
- If you currently have or have had any infectious conditions such as chickenpox , herpes, or hepatitis B.
- If you have lung diseases or breathing difficulties.
- If you have an allergy to Daratumumab, Hyaluronidase, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information is very important in creating a treatment plan.
How is this medicine given?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. This is a vaccine that is injected under the skin . This vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. So there is nothing to worry about.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time during this treatment. Therefore, do not skip the dates given by your doctor. If for some emergency reason you are unable to go on the scheduled date, call your doctor or clinic immediately and inform them.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have overdosed, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
Your medical team will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication, but it is important for you to be aware of these things.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to this medicine. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you some other medicines before you get the vaccine. Follow the instructions exactly.
- Effects on blood tests : This is very important. This medicine may change the results of your blood typing tests . This effect may last for up to 6 months after the last dose. Therefore, your doctor will check your blood type before starting treatment. If you need to donate blood for any reason, it is important to tell every doctor and nurse that you are taking this medicine.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in your baby if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose. Talk to your doctor about the best method for you. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects. Although not everyone gets them, it is important to be aware of them, as some of them can be serious.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating, and body discomfort. |
| Infusion reactions | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting. |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bruising or bleeding that does not stop even from a minor injury. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation or diarrhea. |
| Other body discomfort | Fatigue, nausea, pain or numbness in the limbs, swelling of the ankles, hands or feet. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Daratumumab; Hyaluronidase is a special vaccine given in a hospital for cancers such as Multiple Myeloma.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially heart disease, infections, and allergies.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 months after finishing treatment. A reliable method of birth control is essential.
- The medication may affect the results of blood tests. Therefore, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before undergoing any medical treatment.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
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