Brand name – Darzalex
Generic name – Daratumumab
Type – Whole antibody
Manufacturer – Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Composition – 20 mg Daratumumab per mL
Storage – Store Darzalex in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
Dosage form – Injection
Strength – 100mg/5mL
Packaging – Single dose vial
Indication – Used in the treatment of multiple myeloma in adults
Description
Daratumumab is an anticancer drug. It is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells, also known as plasma cells. Darzalex is a monoclonal antibody, which is directed against CD38, a molecule present on myeloma cells. It’s believed that Darzalex induces tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action,8,9 in addition to apoptosis, in which a series of molecular steps in a cell lead to its death.
Ingredients Of Darzalex
The active ingredient of Darzalex is Daratumumab.
Pharmacodynamics Of Darzalex
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, monoclonal antibodies.
Mechanism Of Action
Daratumumab is an IgG1κ human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the CD38 protein expressed at a high level on the surface of multiple myeloma tumor cells, as well as other cell types and tissues at various levels. CD38 protein has multiple functions such as receptor-mediated adhesion, signaling and enzymatic activity.
Daratumumab has been shown to potently inhibit the in vivo growth of CD38-expressing tumor cells. Based on in vitro studies, daratumumab may utilize multiple effector functions, resulting in immune-mediated tumor cell death. These studies suggest that daratumumab can induce tumor cell lysis through complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis in malignancies expressing CD38. A subset of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (CD38+MDSCs), regulatory T cells (CD38+Tregs), and B cells (CD38+Bregs) are decreased by daratumumab mediated cell lysis. T cells (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) are also known to express CD38 depending on the stage of development and the level of activation. Significant increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell absolute counts, and percentages of lymphocytes, were observed with daratumumab treatment in peripheral whole blood and bone marrow. In addition, T-cell receptor DNA sequencing verified that T-cell clonality was increased with daratumumab treatment, indicating immune-modulatory effects that may contribute to clinical response.
Daratumumab induced apoptosis in vitro after Fc mediated cross-linking. In addition, daratumumab modulated CD38 enzymatic activity, inhibiting the cyclase enzyme activity and stimulating the hydrolase activity. The significance of these in vitro effects in a clinical setting, and the implications on tumour growth, are not well-understood.
Pharmacodynamic Effects Of Darzalex
Natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell count.
NK cells are known to express high levels of CD38 and are susceptible to daratumumab mediated cell lysis. Decreases in absolute counts and percentages of total NK cells (CD16+CD56+) and activated (CD16+CD56dim) NK cells in peripheral whole blood and bone marrow were observed with daratumumab treatment. However, baseline levels of NK cells did not show an association with clinical response.
Usage Of Medicine Of Darzalex
Darzalex is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, which is a type of cancer.
Side Effects Of Darzalex
Common Side Effects
- dizziness
- weakness
- muscle spasms
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- decrease in appetite
- trouble while sleeping
- shortness of breath
- cough
- upper respiratory infection
- bronchitis
- body aches
- joint or back pain
- drowsiness
- high blood pressure
- fatigue
Serious Side Effects
- trouble in breathing
- tightness in throat
- feeling light-headed
- coughing
- runny or stuffy nose
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- itching
- coughing up phlegm
- fever and chills
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- yellowing of skin
- numbness or tingling
- burning pain
- sensitivity
- weakness in hands or feet
- swelling of the arms or legs
- stretched skin
- dents on skin
- low level of platelets
Dosage Of Darzalex
The dosage is based on your medical condition and requirement. Please ask your healthcare provider for the same.
Warning And Precautions Of Darzalex
- Avoid performing or indulging in activities that could cause injury.
- Avoid exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, in general.
- You may be at risk of getting infected, therefore try to avoid crowds.
- Report every side effect to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can prescribe you the needed medications for the same.
Self Care Tips
- Drink plenty of water, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- You may take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider to avoid nausea. Also, eat small and frequent meals.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active. You may indulge in easy activities like daily walks.
