Talk to your doctor or nurse before you are given DARZALEX.
Infusion-related reactions
DARZALEX is given as an infusion (drip) into a vein. Before and after each infusion of DARZALEX, you will be given medicines which help to lower the chance of infusion-related reactions (see “Medicines given during treatment with DARZALEX” in section 3). These reactions can happen during the infusion or in the 3 days after the infusion.
In some cases you may have a severe allergic reaction which may include a swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing or an itchy rash (hives). Some serious allergic reactions and other severe infusion-related reactions have resulted in death.
Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you get any of the infusion-related reactions or related symptoms listed at the top of section 4.
If you get infusion-related reactions, you may need other medicines, or the infusion may need to be slowed down or stopped. When these reactions go away, or get better, the infusion can be started again.
These reactions are most likely to happen with the first infusion. If you have had an infusion-related reaction once it is less likely to happen again. Your doctor may decide not to use DARZALEX if you have a strong infusion reaction.
Decreased blood cell counts
DARZALEX can decrease white blood cell counts which help fight infections, and blood cells called platelets which help to clot blood. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of infection such as fever or any symptoms of decreased platelet counts such as bruising or bleeding.
Blood transfusions
If you need a blood transfusion, you will have a blood test first to match your blood type.
DARZALEX can affect the results of this blood test. Tell the person doing the test that you are using DARZALEX.
Hepatitis B
Tell your doctor if you have ever had or might now have a hepatitis B infection. This is because DARZALEX could cause hepatitis B virus to become active again. Your doctor will check you for signs of this infection before, during and for some time after treatment with DARZALEX. Tell your doctor right away if you get worsening tiredness, or yellowing of your skin or white part of your eyes.