[JinMingDao]

Darzalex infusion reactions: do they go away?

by JinMingDao on Thu Oct 12, 2017 7:51 am

Hello!

For the third time, I’ve relapsed. I went from 4% cancer cells to multiple lesions (one of them very large) in two months. My oncologist and I agreed on radiation, Darzalex, Pomalyst, and dexa­metha­sone.

I had my first Darzalex infusion yesterday, and they told me that some side effects the first and or second weekly treatment are possible. I knew it was a pretty sure thing since I am atopic, I.e. hyper-allergic.

Before my infusion, they pre-treated with Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Sure enough, I started itching less than 10 minutes in (which they treated with Benadryl) and then wheezing about an hour later (which was treated with a steroid that began with "s", and more Benadryl), and finally nausea about 2 hours later, treated with Zofran (ondansetron).

It should be better next week. Are these sorts of first-time reactions common? Do they go away the second week?

[Jose]

Re: Darzalex infusion reactions: do they go away?

by Jose on Fri Oct 13, 2017 11:27 am

I have the same problem, infusion reactions. But on the third day after an infusion, that's when the magic happens: headache, fever, and chills for 2-3 days. I have had two doses so far, and every time it happens. My oncologist told me that she is going to give medications to manage the symp­toms. I'm hoping they work.

[Jose]

Re: Darzalex infusion reactions: do they go away?

by Jose on Sat Oct 21, 2017 7:04 am

How was your second infusion? Hope everything went well.

[NStewart]

Re: Darzalex infusion reactions: do they go away?

by NStewart on Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:32 pm

I get pre-treated every Darzalex infusion with Benadryl (diphen­hydra­mine), Tylenol (aceta­mino­phen / para­cetamol), Solu­medrol (methyl­pred­niso­lone) and Zofran (on­dansetron). The same night as my infusion I've started developing achiness in my joints and a headache. My oncologist told me to take Claritin (loratadine) and Tylenol that night and the next, if needed. That has helped tre­men­dously.

I've now had 3 biweekly infusions of the 8 recommended. I get Darzalex as a single agent.

Nancy in Phila

[JinMingDao]

Re: Darzalex infusion reactions: do they go away?

by JinMingDao on Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:34 pm

The second infusion was much better, I had no reactions. I was sick an entire week after the first infusion, so that was a relief. The only reaction I have now is less appetite and overwhelming fatigue, but that’s nothing new, really.

I have my third infusion tomorrow. They pre-treat me with Benadryl, Tylenol, and dexa­metha­sone, Nancy. I also take Pomalyst every day. Between radiation and this cocktail, I pray these lesions will get knocked out! I pray the same for you and Jose too!