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What is Darzalex Faspro?
Darzalex Faspro is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with multiple myeloma:
It is not known if Darzalex Faspro is safe and effective in children.
What are the possible side effects of Darzalex Faspro?
Darzalex Faspro may cause serious reactions, including:
The most common side effects of Darzalex Faspro when used alone include cold-like symptoms (upperrespiratory infection).
The most common side effects of Darzalex Faspro used in combination therapy include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Darzalex Faspro.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Daratumumab is an immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) human monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD38 antigen. Daratumumab is produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using recombinant DNA technology. The molecular weight of daratumumab is approximately 148 kDa.
Hyaluronidase (recombinant human) is an endoglycosidase used to increase the dispersion and absorption of co-administered drugs when administered subcutaneously. It is a glycosylated single-chain protein produced by Chinese Hamster Ovary cells containing a DNA plasmid encoding for a soluble fragment of human hyaluronidase (PH20). Hyaluronidase (recombinant human) has a molecular weight of approximately 61 kD.
Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, colorless to yellow, and clear to opalescent solution supplied in a single-dose vial for subcutaneous administration.
Each Darzalex Faspro 15 mL single-dose vial contains 1,800 mg of daratumumab and 30,000 units of hyaluronidase , L-histidine (4.9 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (18.4 mg), L-methionine (13.5 mg), polysorbate 20 (6 mg), sorbitol (735.1 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
DARZALEX FASPRO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma:
The recommended dose of DARZALEX FASPRO is 1,800 mg/30,000 units (1,800 mg daratumumab and 30,000 units hyaluronidase) administered subcutaneously over approximately 3-5 minutes. Tables 1, 2, and 3 provide the recommended dosing schedule when DARZALEX FASPRO is administered as monotherapy or as part of a combination therapy.
Use the dosing schedule provided in Table 1 when DARZALEX FASPRO is administered:
Table 1: DARZALEX FASPRO dosing schedule in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (4-week cycle) and for monotherapy
| Weeks | Schedule |
| Weeks 1 to 8 | weekly (total of 8 doses) |
| Weeks 9 to 24a | every two weeks (total of 8 doses) |
| Week 25 onwards until disease progressionb | every four weeks |
| a First dose of the every-2-week dosing schedule is given at Week 9 b First dose of the every-4-week dosing schedule is given at Week 25 | |
When DARZALEX FASPRO is administered as part of a combination therapy, see Clinical Studies and the prescribing information for dosage recommendations for the other drugs.
Use the dosing schedule provided in Table 2 when DARZALEX FASPRO is administered in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (6-week cycle).
Table 2: DARZALEX FASPRO dosing schedule in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (6-week cycle)
| Weeks | Schedule |
| Weeks 1 to 6 | weekly (total of 6 doses) |
| Weeks 7 to 54a | every three weeks (total of 16 doses) |
| Week 55 onwards until disease progressionb | every four weeks |
| a First dose of the every-3-week dosing schedule is given at Week 7 b First dose of the every-4-week dosing schedule is given at Week 55 | |
When DARZALEX FASPRO is administered as part of a combination therapy, see Clinical Studies and the prescribing information for dosage recommendations for the other drugs.
Use the dosing schedule in Table 3 when DARZALEX FASPRO is administered in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (3-week cycle).
Table 3: DARZALEX FASPRO dosing schedule in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (3week cycle)
| Weeks | Schedule |
| Weeks 1 to 9 | weekly (total of 9 doses) |
| Weeks 10 to 24a | every three weeks (total of 5 doses) |
| Week 25 onwards until disease progressionb | every four weeks |
| a First dose of the every-3-week dosing schedule is given at Week 10 b First dose of the every-4-week dosing schedule is given at Week 25 | |
When DARZALEX FASPRO is administered as part of a combination therapy, see the prescribing information for dosage recommendations for the other drugs.
If a dose of DARZALEX FASPRO is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible and adjust the dosing schedule to maintain the dosing interval.
Administer the following pre-medications 1-3 hours before each dose of DARZALEX FASPRO:
Monotherapy
Administer methylprednisolone 100 mg (or equivalent) orally or intravenously. Consider reducing the dose of methylprednisolone to 60 mg (or equivalent) following the second dose of DARZALEX FASPRO.
In Combination
Administer dexamethasone 20 mg (or equivalent) orally or intravenously prior to every DARZALEX FASPRO administration.
When dexamethasone is the background regimen-specific corticosteroid, the dexamethasone dose that is part of the background regimen will serve as pre-medication on DARZALEX FASPRO administration days [see Clinical Studies].
Do not administer background regimen-specific corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) on DARZALEX FASPRO administration days when patients have received dexamethasone (or equivalent) as a pre-medication.
Administer the following post-medications:
Monotherapy
Administer methylprednisolone 20 mg (or an equivalent dose of an intermediate-or long-acting corticosteroid) orally for 2 days starting the day after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO.
In Combination
Consider administering oral methylprednisolone at a dose of less than or equal to 20 mg (or an equivalent dose of an intermediate-or long-acting corticosteroid) beginning the day after administration of DARZALEX FASPRO.
If a background regimen-specific corticosteroid (e.g. dexamethasone, prednisone) is administered the day after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO, additional corticosteroids may not be needed [see Clinical Studies].
If the patient does not experience a major systemic administration-related reaction after the first 3 doses of DARZALEX FASPRO, consider discontinuing the administration of corticosteroids (excluding any background regimen-specific corticosteroid).
For patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consider prescribing short and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Following the first 4 doses of DARZALEX FASPRO, consider discontinuing these additional post-medications, if the patient does not experience a major systemic administration-related reaction.
Initiate antiviral prophylaxis to prevent herpes zoster reactivation within 1 week after starting DARZALEX FASPRO and continue for 3 months following the end of treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
No dose reductions of DARZALEX FASPRO are recommended. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO to allow recovery of blood cell counts in the event of myelosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
DARZALEX FASPRO should be administered by a healthcare provider.
To prevent medication errors, check the vial labels to ensure that the drug being prepared and administered is DARZALEX FASPRO for subcutaneous use. Do not administer DARZALEX FASPRO intravenously.
DARZALEX FASPRO is ready to use.
1,800 mg daratumumab and 30,000 units hyaluronidase per 15 mL (120 mg and 2,000 units/mL) colorless to yellow and clear to opalescent solution in a single-dose vial.
DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, colorless to yellow, and clear to opalescent solution for subcutaneous use supplied as individually packaged single-dose vials providing 1,800 mg of daratumumab and 30,000 units of hyaluronidase per 15 mL (NDC 57894-503-01).
Store DARZALEX FASPRO vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light.
Do not freeze or shake.
Manufactured by: Janssen Biotech, Inc., Horsham, PA 19044 U.S. License Number 1864. Revised: May 2020
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of DARZALEX FASPRO with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) was evaluated in a single-arm cohort of PLEIADES [see Clinical Studies]. Patients received DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously once weekly from weeks 1 to 6, once every 3 weeks from weeks 7 to 54 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 55 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (N=67) in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone. Among these patients, 93% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 19% were exposed for greater than one year.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Serious adverse reactions in >5% of patients included pneumonia and pyrexia. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.0% of patients.
Permanent discontinuation of DARZALEX FASPRO due to an adverse reaction occurred in 4.5% of patients. The adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of DARZALEX FASPRO in more than 1 patient was neutropenic sepsis.
Dosage interruptions (defined as dose delays or skipped doses) due to an adverse reaction occurred in 51% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Adverse reactions requiring dosage interruptions in >5% of patients included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and pneumonia.
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were upper respiratory tract infection, constipation, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, diarrhea, cough, insomnia, vomiting, and back pain.
Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions in patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) in PLEIADES.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients Who Received DARZALEX FASPRO with Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone (D-VMP) in PLEIADES
| Adverse Reaction | DARZALEX FASPRO with Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone (N=67) | |
| All Grades (%) | Grades ≥3 (%) | |
| Infections | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infectiona | 39 | 0 |
| Bronchitis | 16 | 0 |
| Pneumoniab | 15 | 7# |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
| Constipation | 37 | 0 |
| Nausea | 36 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 33 | 3# |
| Vomiting | 21 | 0 |
| Abdominal painc | 13 | 0 |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
| Fatigued | 36 | 3 |
| Pyrexia | 34 | 0 |
| Edema peripherale | 13 | 1# |
| Nervous system disorders | ||
| Peripheral sensory neuropathy | 34 | 1# |
| Dizziness | 10 | 0 |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||
| Coughf | 24 | 0 |
| Psychiatric disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 22 | 3# |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||
| Back pain | 21 | 3# |
| Musculoskeletal chest pain | 12 | 0 |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||
| Decreased appetite | 15 | 1# |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||
| Rash | 13 | 0 |
| Pruritus | 12 | 0 |
| Vascular disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 13 | 6# |
| Hypotension | 10 | 3# |
| a Upper respiratory tract infection includes nasopharyngitis, respiratory syncytial virus infection, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and viral pharyngitis. b Pneumonia includes lower respiratory tract infection, lung infection, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, pneumonia, and pneumonia bacterial. c Abdominal pain includes abdominal pain, and abdominal pain upper. d Fatigue includes asthenia, and fatigue. e Edema peripheral includes edema, edema peripheral, and peripheral swelling. f Cough includes cough, and productive cough. # Only grade 3 adverse reactions occurred. | ||
Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) include:
Table 5 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) in PLEIADES.
Table 5: Select Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities Worsening from Baseline in Patients Who Received DARZALEX FASPRO with Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone (D-VMP) in PLEIADES
| Laboratory Abnormality | DARZALEX FASPRO with Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone a | |
| All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | |
| Decreased leukocytes | 96 | 52 |
| Decreased lymphocytes | 93 | 84 |
| Decreased platelets | 93 | 42 |
| Decreased neutrophils | 88 | 49 |
| Decreased hemoglobin | 48 | 19 |
| a Denominator is based on the safety population treated with D-VMP (N=67). | ||
The safety of DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) was evaluated in a single-arm cohort of PLEIADES [see Clinical Studies]. Patients received DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously once weekly from weeks 1 to 8, once every 2 weeks from weeks 9 to 24 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 25 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (N=65) in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Among these patients, 92% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 20% were exposed for greater than one year.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 48% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Serious adverse reactions in >5% of patients included pneumonia, influenza and diarrhea. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.1% of patients.
Permanent discontinuation of DARZALEX FASPRO due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of DARZALEX FASPRO in more than 1 patient were pneumonia and anemia.
Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 63% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Adverse reactions requiring dosage interruptions in >5% of patients included neutropenia, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, dyspnea, and blood creatinine increased.
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, constipation, pyrexia, pneumonia, and dyspnea.
Table 6 summarizes the adverse reactions in patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in PLEIADES.
Table 6: Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients Who Received DARZALEX FASPRO with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (D-Rd) in PLEIADES
| Adverse Reaction | DARZALEX FASPRO with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (N=65) | |
| All Grades (%) | Grades ≥3 (%) | |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
| Fatiguea | 52 | 5# |
| Pyrexia | 23 | 2# |
| Edema peripheral | 18 | 3# |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
| Diarrhea | 45 | 5# |
| Constipation | 26 | 2# |
| Nausea | 12 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 11 | 0 |
| Infections | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infectionb | 43 | 3# |
| Pneumoniac | 23 | 17 |
| Bronchitisd | 14 | 2# |
| Urinary tract infection | 11 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||
| Muscle spasms | 31 | 2# |
| Back pain | 14 | 0 |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||
| Dyspneae | 22 | 3 |
| Coughf | 14 | 0 |
| Nervous system disorders | ||
| Peripheral sensory neuropathy | 17 | 2# |
| Psychiatric disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 17 | 5# |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||
| Hyperglycemia | 12 | 9# |
| Hypocalcemia | 11 | 0 |
| a Fatigue includes asthenia, and fatigue. b Upper respiratory tract infection includes nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection viral, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and upper respiratory tract infection bacterial. c Pneumonia includes lower respiratory tract infection, lung infection, and pneumonia. d Bronchitis includes bronchitis, and bronchitis viral. e Dyspnea includes dyspnea, and dyspnea exertional. f Cough includes cough, and productive cough. # Only grade 3 adverse reactions occurred. | ||
Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) include:
Table 7 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in PLEIADES.
Table 7: Select Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities Worsening from Baseline in Patients Who Received DARZALEX FASPRO with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (D-Rd) in PLEIADES
| Laboratory Abnormality | DARZALEX FASPRO with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone a | |
| All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | |
| Decreased leukocytes | 94 | 34 |
| Decreased lymphocytes | 82 | 58 |
| Decreased platelets | 86 | 9 |
| Decreased neutrophils | 89 | 52 |
| Decreased hemoglobin | 45 | 8 |
| a Denominator is based on the safety population treated with D-Rd (N=65). | ||
The safety of DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy was evaluated in COLUMBA [see Clinical Trials]. Patients received DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously or daratumumab 16 mg/kg administered intravenously; each administered once weekly from weeks 1 to 8, once every 2 weeks from weeks 9 to 24 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 25 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Among patients receiving DARZALEX FASPRO, 37% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 1% were exposed for greater than one year.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients. Fatal adverse reactions occurring in more than 1 patient were general physical health deterioration, septic shock, and respiratory failure.
Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 10% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of DARZALEX FASPRO in more than 2 patients were thrombocytopenia and hypercalcemia.
Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO. Adverse reactions requiring dosage interruption in >5% of patients included thrombocytopenia.
The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) was upper respiratory tract infection.
Table 8 summarizes the adverse reactions in COLUMBA.
Table 8: Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients Who Received DARZALEX FASPRO or Intravenous Daratumumab in COLUMBA
| Adverse Reaction | DARZALEX FASPRO (N=260) | Intravenous Daratumumab (N=258) | ||
| All Grades (%) | Grade ≥3 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade ≥3 (%) | |
| Infections | ||||
| Upper respiratory tract infectiona | 24 | 1# | 22 | 1# |
| Pneumoniab | 8 | 5 | 10 | 6@ |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||||
| Diarrhea | 15 | 1# | 11 | 0.4# |
| Nausea | 8 | 0.4# | 11 | 0.4# |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||||
| Fatiguec | 15 | 1# | 16 | 2# |
| Infusion reactionsd | 13 | 2# | 34 | 5# |
| Pyrexia | 13 | 0 | 13 | 1# |
| Chills | 6 | 0.4# | 12 | 1# |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||||
| Back pain | 10 | 2# | 12 | 3# |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||||
| Coughe | 9 | 1# | 14 | 0 |
| Dyspneaf | 6 | 1# | 11 | 1# |
| a Upper respiratory tract infection includes acute sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, respiratory syncytial virus infection, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, rhinovirus infection, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. b Pneumonia includes lower respiratory tract infection, lung infection, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and pneumonia. c Fatigue includes asthenia, and fatigue. d Infusion reactions includes terms determined by investigators to be related to infusion. e Cough includes cough, and productive cough. f Dyspnea includes dyspnea, and dyspnea exertional. # Only grade 3 adverse reactions occurred. @ Grade 5 adverse reactions occurred. | ||||
Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO include:
Table 9 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in COLUMBA.
Table 9: Select Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities Worsening from Baseline in Patients Receiving DARZALEX FASPRO or Intravenous Daratumumab in COLUMBA
| Laboratory Abnormality | DARZALEX FASPROa | Intravenous Daratumumaba | ||
| All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grades 3-4 (%) | |
| Decreased leukocytes | 65 | 19 | 57 | 14 |
| Decreased lymphocytes | 59 | 36 | 56 | 36 |
| Decreased neutrophils | 55 | 19 | 43 | 11 |
| Decreased platelets | 43 | 16 | 45 | 14 |
| Decreased hemoglobin | 42 | 14 | 39 | 16 |
| a Denominator is based on the safety population treated with DARZALEX FASPRO (N=260) and Intravenous Daratumumab (N=258). | ||||
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is the potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other daratumumab products or other hyaluronidase products may be misleading.
Treatment-emergent anti-daratumumab antibodies were tested in 451 patients treated with DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy or as part of a combination therapy. One patient (0.2%) who received DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy tested positive for anti-daratumumab antibodies and transient neutralizing antibodies. However, the incidence of antibody development might not have been reliably determined because the assays that were used have limitations in detecting anti-daratumumab antibodies in the presence of high concentrations of daratumumab.
Treatment-emergent anti-rHuPH20 antibodies developed in 8% (19/255) of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy and in 8% (16/192) of patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO as part of a combination therapy. The anti-rHuPH20 antibodies did not appear to affect daratumumab exposures. None of the patients who tested positive for antirHuPH20 antibodies tested positive for neutralizing antibodies.
The following adverse reactions have been identified with use of intravenous daratumumab. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune System: Anaphylactic reaction
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis
Daratumumab binds to CD38 on RBCs and interferes with compatibility testing, including antibody screening and cross matching. Daratumumab interference mitigation methods include treating reagent RBCs with dithiothreitol (DTT) to disrupt daratumumab binding [see REFERENCES] or genotyping. Since the Kell blood group system is also sensitive to DTT treatment, supply K-negative units after ruling out or identifying alloantibodies using DTT-treated RBCs.
If an emergency transfusion is required, administer non-cross-matched ABO/RhD-compatible RBCs per local blood bank practices.
Daratumumab may be detected on serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for monitoring disease monoclonal immunoglobulins (M protein). False positive SPE and IFE assay results may occur for patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein impacting initial assessment of complete responses by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. In DARZALEX FASPRO-treated patients with persistent very good partial response, where daratumumab interference is suspected, consider using a FDA-approved daratumumab-specific IFE assay to distinguish daratumumab from any remaining endogenous M protein in the patient’s serum, to facilitate determination of a complete response.
REFERENCES
1. Chapuy, CI, RT Nicholson, MD Aguad, et al., 2015, Resolving the daratumumab interference with blood compatibility testing, Transfusion, 55:1545-1554 (accessible at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/trf.13069/epdf).
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Both systemic administration-related reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions, and local injection-site reactions can occur with DARZALEX FASPRO.
In a pooled safety population of 490 patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy or in combination, 11% of patients experienced a systemic administration-related reaction (Grade 2: 3.9%, Grade 3: 1.4%). Systemic administration-related reactions occurred in 10% of patients with the first injection, 0.2% with the second injection, and cumulatively 0.8% with subsequent injections. The median time to onset was 3.7 hours (range: 9 minutes to 3.5 days). Of the 84 systemic administration-related reactions that occurred in 52 patients, 73 (87%) occurred on the day of DARZALEX FASPRO administration. Delayed systemic administration-related reactions have occurred in less than 1% of the patients.
Severe reactions included hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension and tachycardia. Other signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions may include respiratory symptoms, such as bronchospasm, nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing, as well as anaphylactic reaction, pyrexia, chest pain, pruritis, chills, vomiting, nausea, and hypotension.
Pre-medicate patients with histamine-1 receptor antagonist, acetaminophen and corticosteroids [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Monitor patients for systemic administration-related reactions, especially following the first and second injections. For anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) administration-related reactions, immediately and permanently discontinue DARZALEX FASPRO. Consider administering corticosteroids and other medications after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO depending on dosing regimen and medical history to minimize the risk of delayed (defined as occurring the day after administration) systemic administration-related reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
In this pooled safety population, injection-site reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including Grade 2 reactions in 0.6%. The most frequent (>1%) injection-site reaction was injection site erythema. These local reactions occurred a median of 7 minutes (range: 0 minutes to 4.7 days) after starting administration of DARZALEX FASPRO. Monitor for local reactions and consider symptomatic management.
Daratumumab may increase neutropenia induced by background therapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer’s prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO until recovery of neutrophils. In lower body weight patients receiving DARZALEX FASPRO, higher rates of Grade 3-4 neutropenia were observed.
Daratumumab may increase thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer’s prescribing information for background therapies. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO until recovery of platelets.
Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX FASPRO may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
The combination of DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women, because lenalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.
Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab administration. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient’s serum [see REFERENCES]. The determination of a patient’s ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX FASPRO. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX FASPRO [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Daratumumab is a human IgG kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some DARZALEX FASPRO-treated patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention for any of the following signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions: itchy, runny or blocked nose; chills, nausea, throat irritation, cough, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they have a fever [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they have bruising or bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO and for at least 3 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients that lenalidomide has the potential to cause fetal harm and has specific requirements regarding contraception, pregnancy testing, blood and sperm donation, and transmission in sperm. Lenalidomide is only available through a REMS program [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider, including personnel at blood transfusion centers, that they are taking DARZALEX FASPRO, in the event of a planned transfusion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that DARZALEX FASPRO can affect the results of some tests used to determine complete response in some patients and additional tests may be needed to evaluate response [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to inform healthcare providers if they have ever had or might have a hepatitis B infection and that DARZALEX FASPRO could cause hepatitis B virus to become active again [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
No carcinogenicity or genotoxicity studies have been conducted with daratumumab. No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the potential effects of daratumumab on reproduction or development, or to determine potential effects on fertility in males or females.
No carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or fertility studies were conducted for recombinant human hyaluronidase. There were no effects on reproductive tissues and function and no systemic exposure of hyaluronidase in monkeys given 22,000 U/kg/week subcutaneously (12 times higher than the human dose) for 39 weeks. As hyaluronidase is a recombinant form of the endogenous human hyaluronidase, no carcinogenicity, mutagenesis, or effects on fertility are expected.
DARZALEX FASPRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The assessment of associated risks with daratumumab products is based on the mechanism of action and data from target antigen CD38 knockout animal models (see Data). There are no available data on the use of DARZALEX FASPRO in pregnant women to evaluate drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
The combination of DARZALEX FASPRO and lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women, because lenalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Lenalidomide is only available through a REMS program. Refer to the lenalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies are transferred across the placenta. Based on its mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPRO may cause depletion of fetal CD38 positive immune cells and decreased bone density. Defer administering live vaccines to neonates and infants exposed to daratumumab in utero until a hematology evaluation is completed.
Animal Data
DARZALEX FASPRO for subcutaneous injection contains daratumumab and hyaluronidase. Mice that were genetically modified to eliminate all CD38 expression (CD38 knockout mice) had reduced bone density at birth that recovered by 5 months of age. Data from studies using CD38 knockout animal models also suggest the involvement of CD38 in the regulation of humoral immune responses (mice), feto-maternal immune tolerance (mice), and early embryonic development (frogs).
No systemic exposure of hyaluronidase was detected in monkeys given 22,000 U/kg subcutaneously (12 times higher than the human dose) and there were no effects on embryo-fetal development in pregnant mice given 330,000 U/kg hyaluronidase subcutaneously daily during organogenesis, which is 45 times higher than the human dose.
There were no effects on pre-and post-natal development through sexual maturity in offspring of mice treated daily from implantation through lactation with 990,000 U/kg hyaluronidase subcutaneously, which is 134 times higher than the human doses.
There is no data on the presence of daratumumab and hyaluronidase in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Maternal immunoglobulin G is known to be present in human milk. Published data suggest that antibodies in breast milk do not enter the neonatal and infant circulations in substantial amounts. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child when DARZALEX FASPRO is administered with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO. Refer to lenalidomide prescribing information for additional information.
Animal Data
No systemic exposure of hyaluronidase was detected in monkeys given 22,000 U/kg subcutaneously (12 times higher than the human dose) and there were no effects on post-natal development through sexual maturity in offspring of mice treated daily during lactation with 990,000 U/kg hyaluronidase subcutaneously, which is 134 times higher than the human doses.
DARZALEX FASPRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
With the combination of DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide, refer to the lenalidomide labeling for pregnancy testing requirements prior to initiating treatment in females of reproductive potential.
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO and for 3 months after the last dose. Additionally, refer to the lenalidomide labeling for additional recommendations for contraception.
Safety and effectiveness of DARZALEX FASPRO in pediatric patients have not been established.
Of the 291 patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, 37% were 65 to <75 years of age, and 19% were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed based on age. Adverse reactions occurring at a higher frequency (≥5% difference) in patients ≥65 years of age included upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, dizziness, cough, dyspnea, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and peripheral edema. Serious adverse reactions occurring at a higher frequency (≥2% difference) in patients ≥65 years of age included pneumonia.
Clinical studies of DARZALEX FASPRO as part of a combination therapy did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
REFERENCES
1. Chapuy, CI, RT Nicholson, MD Aguad, et al., 2015, Resolving the daratumumab interference with blood compatibility testing, Transfusion, 55:1545-1554 (accessible at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/trf.13069/epdf).
No Information Provided
DARZALEX FASPRO is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to daratumumab, hyaluronidase or any of the components of the formulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein (48 kDa) expressed on the surface of hematopoietic cells, including multiple myeloma and other cell types and tissues and has multiple functions, such as receptor mediated adhesion, signaling, and modulation of cyclase and hydrolase activity. Daratumumab is an IgG1κ human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to CD38 and inhibits the growth of CD38 expressing tumor cells by inducing apoptosis directly through Fc mediated cross linking as well as by immune-mediated tumor cell lysis through complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). A subset of myeloid derived suppressor cells (CD38+MDSCs), regulatory T cells (CD38+Tregs) and B cells (CD38+Bregs) are decreased by daratumumab.
Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix of the subcutaneous tissue. It is depolymerized by the naturally occurring enzyme hyaluronidase. Unlike the stable structural components of the interstitial matrix, hyaluronan has a half-life of approximately 0.5 days. Hyaluronidase increases permeability of the subcutaneous tissue by depolymerizing hyaluronan. In the doses administered, hyaluronidase in DARZALEX FASPRO acts locally. The effects of hyaluronidase are reversible and permeability of the subcutaneous tissue is restored within 24 to 48 hours.
NK cells express CD38 and are susceptible to daratumumab mediated cell lysis. Decreases in absolute counts and percentages of total NK cells (CD16+CD56+) and activated (CD16+CD56dim) NK cells in peripheral whole blood and bone marrow were observed with DARZALEX FASPRO treatment.
DARZALEX FASPRO as a large protein has a low likelihood of direct ion channel interactions. There is no evidence from non-clinical or clinical data to suggest that DARZALEX FASPRO has the potential to delay ventricular repolarization.
The exposure-response relationship and time course of pharmacodynamics of DARZALEX FASPRO have not been fully characterized.
Following the administration of the recommended dose of DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units (1,800 mg daratumumab and 30,000 units hyaluronidase) subcutaneously once weekly for 8 weeks, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) maximum trough concentrations (Ctrough following the 8th dose) were 593±306 μg/mL compared to 522±226 μg/mL for daratumumab 16 mg/kg administered intravenously, with a geometric mean ratio of 108% (90% CI: 96, 122). The estimated median daratumumab area under the concentration-time curves (AUC0-7 days) and daratumumab peak concentration (Cmax) following the 8th dose were comparable between DARZALEX FASPRO and intravenous daratumumab (4017 μg/mL•day vs. 4,019 μg/mL•day for AUC0-7 days and 592 μg/mL vs. 688 μg/mL for Cmax).
Following the recommended dose of DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units, Cmax increased 4.8-fold and AUC0-7 days increased 5.4-fold from the 1st dose to the 8th dose.
At the recommended dose of DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units, the absolute bioavailability is 69%, with peak concentrations occurring around 3 days (Tmax).
The estimated mean (coefficient of variation, CV) volume of distribution for the central compartment is 5.2 L (37%) and peripheral compartment was 3.8 L.
Daratumumab is cleared by parallel linear and nonlinear saturable target mediated clearances. The estimated mean (CV%) linear clearance of daratumumab is 119 mL/day. The estimated mean (CV%) elimination half-life associated with linear clearance is 20 days (22%).
The following population characteristics have no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of daratumumab in patients administered DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy or as combination therapy: sex, age (33 to 92 years), race, renal impairment [Creatinine clearance (CLcr) 15 to 89 mL/min as determined by the Cockcroft-Gault formula], and mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin 1 to 1.5 times ULN and AST>ULN). The effect of moderate and severe hepatic impairment on daratumumab pharmacokinetics is unknown.
After administration of DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units as monotherapy, the mean maximum Ctrough after the 8th dose was 12% lower in the higher body weight (BW) group (>85 kg) while the mean maximum Ctrough was 81% higher in the lower BW group (≤50 kg) compared to the corresponding BW groups in the intravenous daratumumab arm.
The efficacy of DARZALEX FASPRO with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) was evaluated in a single-arm cohort of PLEIADES (NCT03412565), a multi-cohort, open-label trial. Eligible patients were required to have newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for transplant. Patients received DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously once weekly from weeks 1 to 6, once every 3 weeks from weeks 7 to 54 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 55 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 subcutaneously twice weekly on Weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 for the first 6-week cycle (Cycle 1; 8 doses), followed by once weekly on Weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 for eight more 6-week cycles (Cycles 2-9; 4 doses per cycle); and melphalan 9 mg/m2 and prednisone 60 mg/m2 orally on Days 1 to 4 of the nine 6-week cycles (Cycles 1-9). The major efficacy outcome measure was overall response rate (ORR).
A total of 67 patients received DARZALEX FASPRO with VMP. The median age was 75 years (range: 66 to 86); 46% were male; 69% were White, 8% Asian, and 2% Black or African American; and 33% had ISS Stage I, 45% had ISS Stage II, and 22% had ISS Stage III disease.
Efficacy results are summarized in Table 10
Table 10: Efficacy Results from PLEIADES in Patients Who Received D-VMP
| D-VMP (N=67) | |
| Overall response rate (sCR+CR+VGPR+PR), n (%)a | 59 (88%) |
| 95% CI (%) | (78%, 95%) |
| Stringent complete response (sCR) | 5 (8%) |
| Complete response (CR) | 7 (10%) |
| Very good partial response (VGPR) | 31 (46%) |
| Partial response (PR) | 16 (24%) |
| CI=confidence interval a Based on treated patients | |
The efficacy of DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) was evaluated in a single-arm cohort of PLEIADES (NCT03412565), a multi-cohort, open-label trial. Patients received DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously once weekly from weeks 1 to 8, once every 2 weeks from weeks 9 to 24 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 25 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity with lenalidomide 25 mg once daily orally on Days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle; and dexamethasone 40 mg per week (or a reduced dose of 20 mg per week for patients >75 years or BMI <18.5). The major efficacy outcome measure was ORR.
A total of 65 patients received DARZALEX FASPRO with Rd. The median age was 69 years (range: 33 to 82); 69% were male; 69% were White, and 3% Black or African American; and 42% had ISS Stage I, 30% had ISS Stage II, and 28% had ISS Stage III disease. Patients had received a median of 1 prior line of therapy. A total of 52% of patients had a prior ASCT; 95% of patients received a prior PI; 59% received a prior immunomodulatory agent, including 22% who received prior lenalidomide; and 54% of patients received both a prior PI and immunomodulatory agent.
Efficacy results are summarized in Table 11.
Table 11: Efficacy Results from PLEIADES in Patients Who Received D-Rd
| D-Rd (N=65) | |
| Overall response rate (sCR+CR+VGPR+PR), n (%)a | 59 (91%) |
| 95% CI (%) | (81%, 97%) |
| Stringent complete response (sCR) | 4 (6%) |
| Complete response (CR) | 8 (12%) |
| Very good partial response (VGPR) | 30 (46%) |
| Partial response (PR) | 17 (26%) |
| CI=confidence interval a Based on treated patients | |
The efficacy of DARZALEX FASPRO as monotherapy was evaluated in COLUMBA (NCT03277105), an open-label, randomized, non-inferiority study. Eligible patients were required to have relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had received at least 3 prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent or who were double-refractory to a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. Patients were randomized to receive DARZALEX FASPRO (1,800 mg/30,000 units) administered subcutaneously or daratumumab 16 mg/kg administered intravenously; each administered once weekly from weeks 1 to 8, once every 2 weeks from weeks 9 to 24 and once every 4 weeks starting with week 25 until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR by the IMWG response criteria and maximum Ctrough at pre-dose Cycle 3 Day 1 [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Randomization was stratified by body weight, myeloma type, and number of prior lines of therapy.
A total of 522 patients were randomized: 263 to the DARZALEX FASPRO arm and 259 to the intravenous daratumumab arm. The median age was 67 years (range: 33 to 92); 55% were male; and 78% were White, 14% Asian, and 3% Black or African American. The median weight was 73 kg (range: 29 to 138). Patients had received a median of 4 prior lines of therapy. A total of 51% of patients had a prior ASCT; 100% of patients received both a PI and an immunomodulatory agent. Forty-nine percent of patients were refractory both a PI and an immunomodulatory agent. Eighty-two percent of patients were refractory to their last line of prior systemic therapy.
The results show that DARZALEX FASPRO 1,800 mg/30,000 units administered subcutaneously is non-inferior to daratumumab 16 mg/kg administered intravenously in terms of ORR and maximum trough concentration [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Median progression-free survival was 5.6 months in the DARZALEX FASPRO arm and 6.1 months in the intravenous daratumumab arm. ORR results are provided in Table 12.
Table 12: Efficacy Results from COLUMBA
| DARZALEX FASPRO (N=263) | Intravenous Daratumumab (N=259) | |
| Overall response (sCR+CR+VGPR+PR), n (%)a | 108 (41%) | 96 (37%) |
| 95% CI (%) | (35%, 47%) | (31%, 43%) |
| Ratio of response rates (95% CI)b | 1.11 (0.89, 1.37) | |
| CR or better, n (%) | 5 (1.9%) | 7 (2.7%) |
| Very good partial response (VGPR) | 45 (17%) | 37 (14%) |
| Partial response (PR) | 58 (22%) | 52 (20%) |
| a Based on intent-to-treat population. | ||
DARZALEX
(Dar'-zah-lex)
FASPRO™
(Fas-pro)
(daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) injection, for subcutaneous use
DARZALEX FASPRO may be used with other medicines called lenalidomide and dexamethasone. You should also read the Medication Guide that comes with lenalidomide if you use DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about dexamethasone.
What is DARZALEX FASPRO?
DARZALEX FASPRO is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with multiple myeloma:
It is not known if DARZALEX FASPRO is safe and effective in children.
Do not receive DARZALEX FASPRO if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to daratumumab or any of the ingredients in DARZALEX FASPRO. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in DARZALEX FASPRO.
Before you receive DARZALEX FASPRO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How will I receive DARZALEX FASPRO?
If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
What are the possible side effects of DARZALEX FASPRO?
DARZALEX FASPRO may cause serious reactions, including:
The most common side effects of DARZALEX FASPRO when used alone include cold-like symptoms (upperrespiratory infection).
The most common side effects of DARZALEX FASPRO used in combination therapy include:
These are not all the possible side effects of DARZALEX FASPRO.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of DARZALEX FASPRO.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about DARZALEX FASPRO that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in DARZALEX FASPRO?
Active ingredient: daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 20, sorbitol, water for injection.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
