Isatuximab
Say it: eye-sa-TUX-i-mab · Brand names: Sarclisa, Sarclisa Escena
Isatuximab is an antibody medicine that marks myeloma cells so the immune system can destroy them.
What it is
Isatuximab is a lab-made antibody that sticks to a marker called CD38 on myeloma cells. This helps the immune system find and kill those cells and can also trigger the cancer cells to die. It is given with other myeloma medicines.
Often used for
- newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in people who are not having a stem cell transplant
- multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatment
How you get it
Isatuximab can be given into a vein (IV) at the clinic, or as a shot under the skin (Sarclisa Escena). The shot may be given by your nurse or by a small device stuck on your skin for a short time. The first vein infusion takes several hours, and later ones are often faster. It is usually given weekly for the first month, then every 2 weeks, and later sometimes every 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Reactions during the infusion, like shortness of breath, cough, chills or nausea, most often with the first dose. You will get medicines first to help prevent them.
- Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection and bleeding. Your team will check your blood often.
- Lung infections or cold symptoms. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Tell your team if this starts.
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
- Cough with fever or shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Chest pain or feeling faint
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have had a reaction to an infusion before
- If you have heart or lung problems
- 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 infusion to lower the chance of a reaction.
- Isatuximab can make blood bank tests look positive. You will have a blood type test before you start. Tell any hospital that you get this medicine before a transfusion.
- It can affect some myeloma blood tests, so your team may use extra tests to check your response.
- It can lower white blood cells. You will have blood tests often, and your team may give medicines to help prevent infection.
- There may be a slightly higher chance of getting a new, different cancer, such as skin cancer. Have your skin checked as advised.
Questions to ask
- How long will each infusion take?
- What other myeloma medicines will I get with it?
- How will we check if it is working?
- What can I do to prevent infections?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Isatuximab?
- Isatuximab is an antibody medicine that marks myeloma cells so the immune system can destroy them. Brand names: Sarclisa, Sarclisa Escena.
- What is Isatuximab used for?
- newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in people who are not having a stem cell transplant; multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatment.
- How is Isatuximab given?
- Isatuximab can be given into a vein (IV) at the clinic, or as a shot under the skin (Sarclisa Escena). The shot may be given by your nurse or by a small device stuck on your skin for a short time. The first vein infusion takes several hours, and later ones are often faster. It is usually given weekly for the first month, then every 2 weeks, and later sometimes every 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Isatuximab?
- Reactions during the infusion, like shortness of breath, cough, chills or nausea, most often with the first dose. Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection and bleeding. Lung infections or cold symptoms. Diarrhea. Feeling tired. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- When should I call my care team while taking Isatuximab?
- 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; Cough with fever or shortness of breath; Unusual bleeding or bruising; Chest pain or feeling faint.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Isatuximab?
- Isa-Pd.
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.