Empliciti

What is EMPLICITI?

(EMPLICITI) This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma). Elotuzumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How should I use EMPLICITI?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using elotuzumab and each time you receive the medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once a week for the first 8 weeks. After that it is usually given once every 2 or 4 weeks. The dosage is based on your weight and other medications you are taking. Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as fever, chills, dizziness, chest discomfort, or slow heartbeat.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take EMPLICITI?

Before using elotuzumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, current/recent infection. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Elotuzumab can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Tell your health care professional that you are using elotuzumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Elotuzumab, when used in combination with lenalidomide or pomalidomide, must not be used during pregnancy. The combination may cause harm (possibly death) to an unborn baby. Two reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) must be used whenever at least one sexual partner is using these medicines together. Males using these medications must always use a condom during sexual activity. If you or your partner become pregnant, or if you think you or your partner may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with EMPLICITI?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

What if I miss a dose of EMPLICITI?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving EMPLICITI?

See also How to Use section. Loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, headache, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, muscle spasms/weakness, unusual tiredness, increased thirst/urination. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). People who are treated with this medication may rarely get other cancers (such as skin cancer). Consult your doctor for more details. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep EMPLICITI?

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.