Information about Empliciti (Elotuzumab)
Empliciti (Elotuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody used primarily in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It works by targeting SLAMF7 (a surface protein found on multiple myeloma cells and natural killer cells), enhancing the immune system's ability to attack and destroy cancerous cells. Empliciti is commonly used alongside other treatments, such as lenalidomide or dexamethasone.
Product Highlights
- Multiple Myeloma: Empliciti is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma in adults, particularly for those who have received at least one prior therapy.
- Often used in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma in patients who have not responded to other treatments.
- Also used in patients who have relapsed or become refractory to previous treatments.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Increases the ability of natural killer cells to recognize and destroy multiple myeloma cells.
- Particularly beneficial in patients who have not responded well to other treatments.
- Works synergistically with other cancer medications (like lenalidomide or dexamethasone) to improve treatment outcomes.
- Clinical trials show it can prolong progression-free survival when added to combination therapy.
Direction of Use
- Administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Typically given once a week for the first two months, then once every two weeks thereafter.
- The infusion must be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
- Dosage may be adjusted depending on the patient's response and tolerability.
- Pre-medications (e.g., antihistamines, antipyretics) are often given to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions.
- Patients should be monitored for any infusion reactions during and after administration.
Safety Concerns
- These can include fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, or trouble breathing during or shortly after the infusion.
- Empliciti can lower immune system function, increasing the risk of infections, including serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- It may lead to decreased blood cell counts, including neutropenia (low white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and anemia (low red blood cells).
- Allergic reactions, though rare, may occur during or after the infusion.
- There is a potential risk of heart problems, especially for patients who have existing heart conditions.
- Regular blood tests and close monitoring are needed for side effects like infections and low blood cell counts.
Avoid Empliciti (Elotuzumab) If
- You have an allergy to elotuzumab or any of its ingredients.
- You have an active infection or are at high risk of infections.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as the safety of Empliciti during pregnancy has not been established.
- You are breastfeeding, as it is not known if Empliciti passes into breast milk.
- You have severe liver problems or severe kidney issues, as these may affect the metabolism and clearance of the drug.
- You have a history of severe infusion reactions to monoclonal antibodies.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
