When you or someone in your family is being treated for a condition like Multiple Myeloma, doctors often talk about new, powerful medications. It's normal to feel a little nervous and curious at times like these. Today, we're going to talk about one such specific medication, a vaccine called Daratumumab. Although it's a complex medication, we'll keep it simple and easy to understand.
What is Daratumumab?
Simply put, Daratumumab is a special type of medicine designed to target and destroy cancer cells. In medicine, we call this a Monoclonal Antibody . Imagine that our body's immune system has soldiers called 'antibodies'. Their job is to find, capture, and destroy disease-causing germs. So, scientists created a synthetic antibody in the lab that can do the same thing, but only targets cancer cells . That's what this Monoclonal Antibody is.
Daratumumab is mainly used to treat a type of blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma . This is a cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. This drug attaches to cancer cells and signals them to our body's own immune system to destroy them. This drug can also kill cancer cells on its own.
Sometimes doctors may prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions as well. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting such a powerful medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Don't hide anything, even the smallest details. Because that information will help you to be treated safely.
Be sure to mention the following:
- Allergies: If you have an allergy not only to Daratumumab, but also to the ingredient ``Sorbitol'' in this medicine, any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative, please tell us first.
- Current Infections: Tell your doctor if you currently have any infections, such as fever, cough, or cold. Especially if you have had previous viral infections, such as chickenpox, herpes, or hepatitis B, you should also inform your doctor about your history.
- Breathing Problems: If you have a long-term lung condition like asthma or COPD, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is extremely important if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. We will talk about this in more detail.
- Hereditary Fructose Intolerance: This is a very rare, hereditary condition. The substance `(Sorbitol)` contained in this medicine can cause problems for people with this condition. So if you know you have such a condition, tell them about it.
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is not a pill that you swallow. It is given as an injection into a vein. Just like giving saline, the doctor injects this medicine into the body. We call this an IV Infusion .
This treatment must be given in a hospital or specialized clinic, under the full supervision of trained doctors and nursing staff. It is not something that can be done at home.
Since this is given under medical supervision, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, inform the medical staff immediately. In case of an emergency, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, you should go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
It is very important to attend your scheduled treatment dates and times. If for some reason you are unable to attend, please call the doctor or clinic in advance and let them know.
Things to be especially careful about when receiving treatment
Blood Tests & Transfusions
This is very important. Daratumumab may affect the results of your blood typing tests. This effect may last for up to 6 months after your last dose.
Therefore, your doctor will perform blood typing and crossmatching tests and keep records before starting treatment. If you ever need to donate blood for any reason, be sure to inform all doctors and nursing staff that you are taking Daratumumab. This is essential for your safety.
Allergies and infusion reactions
Some people may have allergic reactions or infusion reactions when the medicine is given to them. To reduce the risk of this, your doctor will give you some other medicines (pre-medications) before giving you Daratumumab. Follow the instructions exactly. If your face becomes red, itchy, has difficulty breathing, or feels dizzy while the medicine is being given, tell the nurse right away.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Very important: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Daratumumab can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild. The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
| Daratumumab side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Infusion reactions | Dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure, and nausea may occur during or shortly after the medication is given. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, burning when urinating. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bruising of the skin, bleeding gums. |
| Blurred vision | Blurred vision. |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Tiredness | Feeling extremely tired even after doing a small task. |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation or diarrhea. |
| Changes in limbs | Numbness, pain in the hands and feet, swelling in the legs and ankles. |
Other side effects not listed in this list may occur, so talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer cells and is used to treat cancers such as multiple myeloma.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine may affect blood clotting tests, so always tell the medical staff that you are taking this treatment.
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or fever when taking the medicine, inform the doctor or nursing staff immediately.
- Attending the appointments given by the doctor without missing a beat is very important for the success of the treatment.
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