Key facts about Empliciti
What is Empliciti?
Empliciti is the brand name for elotuzumab and is available as an injection for IV use.
What dosages is Empliciti available in?
Empliciti is available as an iinjection containing 300 mg or 400 mg of elotuzumab.
What is Empliciti used for?
Empliciti is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat:
Multiple myeloma in people who’ve already taken 1 to 3 therapies; given with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone Multiple myeloma in people who’ve already taken at least 2 therapies; given with Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone
How does Empliciti work?
Empliciti is a monoclonal antibody that targets the SLAMF7 protein. The medication attaches to SLAMF7 on multiple myeloma cells and the other immune system cells. This tells the immune system to come attack the cancer cell. As a result, the multiple myeloma cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
How do I take Empliciti?
Empliciti is dosed as follows:
- For people taking Empliciti with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone
- Cycles 1 and 2: The usual dose of Empliciti is 10 mg/kg of weight once per week
- Cycle 3 and onward: The usual dose of Empliciti is 10 mg/kg every other week
- For people taking Empliciti with Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone
- Cycles 1 and 2: The usual dose of Empliciti is 10 mg/kg of weight once per week
- Cycle 3 and onward: The usual dose of Empliciti is 20 mg/kg once every 4 weeks (i.e., on day 1 of each cycle)
Is it safe for me to take Empliciti?
Empliciti is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Empliciti Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Empliciti:
- Low white blood cell count
- Higher blood sugar levels
- Low platelets
- Changes to blood electrolyte levels
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Higher liver enzyme levels
- Fever
- Constipation
- Cough
- High blood pressure
- Numbness in fingers and toes
- Infection
- Lower appetite
Empliciti Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Empliciti. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious reaction during infusion: chest tightness, cough, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, fever, chills
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Empliciti
The following medications may interact with Empliciti:
- For important drug interactions involving lenalidomide, pomalidomide and dexamethasone, refer to their respective prescribing information
Who makes Empliciti?
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Is Empliciti safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Empliciti may harm your unborn baby. However, REVLIMID and POMALYST may cause birth defects or death of an unborn baby. Before receiving Empliciti with REVLIMID and dexamethasone, or Empliciti with POMALYST and dexamethasone, females and males must agree to the instructions in the REVLIMID REMS program for the use of Empliciti in combination with REVLIMID and dexamethasone and the POMALYST REMS program for the use of Empliciti in combination with POMALYST and dexamethasone. The REVLIMID REMS and POMALYST REMS programs have specific requirements about birth control (contraception), pregnancy testing, blood donation, and sperm donation that you need to know. Talk to
your healthcare provider to learn more about REVLIMID or POMALYST.
