Daratumumab
Say it: dar-a-TOOM-ue-mab · Brand names: Darzalex, Darzalex Faspro
Daratumumab is an antibody medicine that marks myeloma cells so the immune system can destroy them.
What it is
Daratumumab is a lab-made antibody, a type of protein. It sticks to a marker called CD38 that is found in large amounts on myeloma cells. This helps the immune system find and kill those cells.
Often used for
- multiple myeloma
- light chain (AL) amyloidosis (the shot form)
How you get it
Daratumumab is given either as a shot under the skin of the belly over a few minutes (Darzalex Faspro) or into a vein (IV) over several hours (Darzalex). It is usually given weekly at first, then every 2 weeks, then every 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Reactions during or soon after the first dose, like a stuffy nose, cough, chills or itchy throat. You will get medicines first to help prevent them.
- Cold symptoms or infections. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Diarrhea or nausea. Eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
- Swelling in the hands, legs or feet. Raise your legs when you sit.
- Muscle or back pain. Gentle stretching and heat may help.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, or swelling of the face or lips
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Chest pain, or feeling dizzy or faint
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have asthma or lung problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- If you have ever had hepatitis B
- If you have had a reaction to an infusion before
- If you are going to need a blood transfusion
- All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements
Good to know
- You will get medicines before each dose, like an allergy medicine, acetaminophen and a steroid, to lower the chance of a reaction.
- Daratumumab can make blood bank tests look positive for months. You will have a blood type test before you start. Always tell any hospital that you get this medicine before a transfusion.
- It can wake up the hepatitis B virus. You may have blood tests before and during treatment.
- It can lower white blood cells and platelets. You will have blood tests often.
Questions to ask
- Will I get the shot or the IV form?
- How long will each visit take?
- What medicines will I take before each dose?
- Should I carry a card saying I get this medicine?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Daratumumab?
- Daratumumab is an antibody medicine that marks myeloma cells so the immune system can destroy them. Brand names: Darzalex, Darzalex Faspro.
- What is Daratumumab used for?
- multiple myeloma; light chain (AL) amyloidosis (the shot form).
- How is Daratumumab given?
- Daratumumab is given either as a shot under the skin of the belly over a few minutes (Darzalex Faspro) or into a vein (IV) over several hours (Darzalex). It is usually given weekly at first, then every 2 weeks, then every 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Daratumumab?
- Reactions during or soon after the first dose, like a stuffy nose, cough, chills or itchy throat. Cold symptoms or infections. Feeling tired. Diarrhea or nausea. Swelling in the hands, legs or feet. Muscle or back pain. Low blood counts.
- When should I call my care team while taking Daratumumab?
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, or swelling of the face or lips; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Chest pain, or feeling dizzy or faint; Unusual bleeding or bruising; Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Daratumumab?
- DPd, DRd, DVd.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.