Empliciti
Generic name:elotuzumab [ EL-oh-TOOZ-ue-mab ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics
What is Empliciti?
Empliciti is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a certain protein in the body that can affect tumor cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
Empliciti is used in combination chemotherapy to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer).
Empliciti is given together with either lenalidomide or pomalidomide, and a steroid medicine called dexamethasone.
Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of taking this medicine.
Warnings
Do not use Empliciti with lenalidomide or pomalidomide if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant. You will be required to use birth control to prevent pregnancy before, during, and shortly after treatment with these medicines.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Empliciti if you are allergic to elotuzumab.
Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.
Using Empliciti may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
Empliciti is used together with lenalidomide or pomalidomide, which must not be taken during pregnancy. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are known to cause life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking the medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Even one dose of lenalidomide or pomalidomide can cause major birth defects.
If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment, and again every month during treatment. You will be required to use two forms of birth control before, during, and shortly after chemotherapy treatment.
If you are a man, do not use lenalidomide or pomalidomide if your sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant. These medicines may affect your sperm and cause birth defects in the baby. Always use latex condoms when having sex with a woman who is able to get pregnant, even if you have had a vasectomy.
Carefully follow all instructions about the use of birth control while using Empliciti with lenalidomide or pomalidomide, whether you are a man or a woman.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Empliciti with lenalidomide or pomalidomide.
Stop using these medicines and call your doctor at once if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant.
Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are ava...
