Elotuzumab
Say it: el-oh-TOOZ-oo-mab · Brand names: Empliciti
Elotuzumab is an antibody medicine that helps your immune system find and kill myeloma cells.
What it is
Elotuzumab is a man-made antibody, a type of immune protein. It sticks to a protein called SLAMF7 found on myeloma cells and on natural killer cells. This marks the myeloma cells and switches on natural killer cells, so they attack the myeloma.
Often used for
- multiple myeloma that has come back or not responded to other treatment, together with lenalidomide or pomalidomide and dexamethasone
How you get it
Elotuzumab is given through a vein (IV) at the clinic. The first doses take a few hours, and later doses are faster. It is often given every week at first, then every 2 or 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
- Fever. Call your team for any fever, since it can be a sign of infection.
- Cough, sore throat, or stuffy nose. Wash your hands often.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
- Less appetite. Small meals may help.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- During or soon after the IV: chills, rash, itching, trouble breathing, chest tightness, or feeling faint
- Cough with fever, or shortness of breath
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
- Any new lump, skin change, or sign of a new cancer
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have an infection now or get infections often
- If you have liver problems
- If you have had a reaction to an IV medicine before
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Infusion reactions can happen, mostly with the first dose. You will get medicines before each dose to help prevent them.
- It raises the risk of infections. Your team will watch you closely.
- People who take it may have a higher risk of a second cancer.
- Elotuzumab can show up on a myeloma blood or urine test (M-protein test). Your team knows how to read these results.
- The medicines given with elotuzumab, such as lenalidomide or pomalidomide, have their own important warnings, including birth defects.
Questions to ask
- Which medicines will I take with elotuzumab?
- How long will each visit take?
- What medicines will I get before each dose?
- How will we know if it is working?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Cough
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Elotuzumab?
- Elotuzumab is an antibody medicine that helps your immune system find and kill myeloma cells. Brand names: Empliciti.
- What is Elotuzumab used for?
- multiple myeloma that has come back or not responded to other treatment, together with lenalidomide or pomalidomide and dexamethasone.
- How is Elotuzumab given?
- Elotuzumab is given through a vein (IV) at the clinic. The first doses take a few hours, and later doses are faster. It is often given every week at first, then every 2 or 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Elotuzumab?
- Feeling tired. Diarrhea or constipation. Fever. Cough, sore throat, or stuffy nose. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Less appetite.
- When should I call my care team while taking Elotuzumab?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; During or soon after the IV: chills, rash, itching, trouble breathing, chest tightness, or feeling faint; Cough with fever, or shortness of breath; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; Any new lump, skin change, or sign of a new cancer.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Elotuzumab?
- ERd.
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.