What does DPd stand for?

D = daratumumab; P = Pomalyst (pomalidomide); d = dexamethasone.

What are the common side effects of DPd?

Low white blood cell counts, which raise the risk of infection. Lung and sinus infections, like colds or pneumonia. Reactions during or after the first daratumumab dose, such as stuffy nose, cough, chills or throat tightness. Tiredness. Diarrhea or constipation. Low red blood cells and platelets. Trouble sleeping, mood changes and high blood sugar on dexamethasone days.

When should I call my care team during DPd?

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, wheezing or throat tightness during or after a daratumumab dose; Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg or arm, or sudden shortness of breath (signs of a blood clot); Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast or pounding heartbeat; Bleeding that will not stop, blood in your urine or stool, or many new bruises; A cough with fever or shortness of breath.

DPd

Say it: D P D

Daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone

DPd is a three medicine plan for multiple myeloma that has come back, combining an antibody (daratumumab), daily pills (pomalidomide) and a steroid (dexamethasone).

Also called: DPD, Dara-Pd, Dara-Pom-Dex, daratumumab pomalidomide dexamethasone, Darzalex Pomalyst dexamethasone

What it is

Daratumumab marks myeloma cells so the immune system can destroy them. Pomalidomide helps the immune system and slows myeloma growth. Dexamethasone kills myeloma cells directly. The goal is to control the myeloma for as long as possible.

D	daratumumab
P	Pomalyst (pomalidomide)
d	dexamethasone

Often used for

multiple myeloma that has come back, usually after lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor such as bortezomib

Shot vs IV daratumumab: Most people now get daratumumab as a shot under the skin, which takes only a few minutes. The IV form takes several hours, longest the first time.

The medicines in this plan

Daratumumab: Antibody that targets a protein (CD38) on myeloma cells. Given as a shot under the skin over a few minutes, or through a vein over several hours.
Pomalidomide: Capsules taken by mouth once a day on days 1 to 21 of each 28 day cycle.
Dexamethasone: Steroid taken by mouth or through a vein, usually once a week.

How you get it

Daratumumab is given in the clinic, weekly for the first 2 cycles, every 2 weeks for cycles 3 to 6, then every 4 weeks. Pomalidomide is taken at home. Each cycle is 28 days, and treatment usually continues as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.

A typical cycle

Cycles 1 and 2: Daratumumab once a week (days 1, 8, 15 and 22).
Cycles 3 to 6: Daratumumab every 2 weeks (days 1 and 15).
Cycle 7 onward: Daratumumab once every 4 weeks (day 1).
Days 1 to 21 of every cycle: Pomalidomide capsule once a day at home, then 7 days off. Dexamethasone once a week.

Common side effects and what helps

Low white blood cell counts, which raise the risk of infection. Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick.
Lung and sinus infections, like colds or pneumonia. Tell your team about cough or fever.
Reactions during or after the first daratumumab dose, such as stuffy nose, cough, chills or throat tightness. Medicines are given beforehand to help.
Tiredness. Rest and short walks can help.
Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and ask about medicines that help.
Low red blood cells and platelets. Your team checks your blood.
Trouble sleeping, mood changes and high blood sugar on dexamethasone days. Take it in the morning with food.

Call your care team right away if you have

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Trouble breathing, wheezing or throat tightness during or after a daratumumab dose
Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg or arm, or sudden shortness of breath (signs of a blood clot)
Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast or pounding heartbeat
Bleeding that will not stop, blood in your urine or stool, or many new bruises
A cough with fever or shortness of breath

Good to know

Pomalidomide can cause severe birth defects. You must follow a safety program: pregnancy tests and birth control for those who could become pregnant, and condoms for men. Do not donate blood or sperm.
Pomalidomide raises the risk of blood clots. Most people take aspirin or another blood thinner.
Daratumumab can interfere with blood bank tests. You will have a blood type test before the first dose, and you should tell any hospital that you take it.
Your team will check for hepatitis B before starting, because daratumumab can wake up an old infection.
You will take an antiviral medicine to prevent shingles.

At home

Take pomalidomide at the same time each day. Swallow it whole and do not open the capsules.
Take your blood thinner and antiviral medicine as prescribed.
Carry a card or note that says you take daratumumab.
You may need medicines on the day after daratumumab to prevent a delayed reaction. Take them as directed.
Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick.

Questions to ask

Will I get daratumumab as a shot or through a vein?
How long will I stay on this treatment?
Which blood thinner should I take?
Should I get any vaccines before or during treatment?
How will we track whether the myeloma is responding?

Multiple myeloma

Sources

Quick answers

What is DPd?: DPd is a three medicine plan for multiple myeloma that has come back, combining an antibody (daratumumab), daily pills (pomalidomide) and a steroid (dexamethasone). Daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone.
What does DPd stand for?: D = daratumumab; P = Pomalyst (pomalidomide); d = dexamethasone.
How is DPd given?: Daratumumab is given in the clinic, weekly for the first 2 cycles, every 2 weeks for cycles 3 to 6, then every 4 weeks. Pomalidomide is taken at home. Each cycle is 28 days, and treatment usually continues as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of DPd?: Low white blood cell counts, which raise the risk of infection. Lung and sinus infections, like colds or pneumonia. Reactions during or after the first daratumumab dose, such as stuffy nose, cough, chills or throat tightness. Tiredness. Diarrhea or constipation. Low red blood cells and platelets. Trouble sleeping, mood changes and high blood sugar on dexamethasone days.
When should I call my care team during DPd?: A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, wheezing or throat tightness during or after a daratumumab dose; Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg or arm, or sudden shortness of breath (signs of a blood clot); Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast or pounding heartbeat; Bleeding that will not stop, blood in your urine or stool, or many new bruises; A cough with fever or shortness of breath.

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.