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Empliciti

elotuzumab
Used for Multiple Myeloma
Used for Multiple Myeloma

Empliciti (elotuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody that’s used to treat a certain type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma. It’s an intravenous infusion that’s given at an infusion center or provider’s office. This medication can cause side effects such as infusion reactions, diarrhea, and low blood cell counts. You typically take Empliciti (elotuzumab) as part of a cancer treatment plan with two medications that you take by mouth (an immunomodulatory drug and dexamethasone).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 13, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Empliciti (elotuzumab)?

What is Empliciti (elotuzumab) used for?

How Empliciti (elotuzumab) works

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in certain kinds of blood cells called plasma cells (a type of immune cell). The multiple myeloma cancer cells have a protein on their surface called SLAMF7. This protein is also found on the outside of certain other cells in your immune system.

Empliciti (elotuzumab) 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.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEmpliciti
Drug ClassAnti-SLAMF7 antibody
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Empliciti (elotuzumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Pain in arms or legs
  • Vomiting
  • Cataracts
Note: These side effects were reported by people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone. Side effects might differ for people taking this medication with Pomalyst (pomalidomide).

Serious Side Effects

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

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Empliciti (elotuzumab)

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Pros

Recommended treatment option for certain people with multiple myeloma who’ve previously had therapy

Only need infusions once or twice per month after the first two treatment cycles

Works in a more specific, targeted way than traditional chemotherapy

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Cons

Given intravenously (through a vein), so requires a needle for administration

Might cause serious infusion-related reactions

Might cause liver problems, so regular lab test monitoring is required

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Empliciti (elotuzumab)

pharmacist

  • Empliciti (elotuzumab) is often given together with other medications to treat multiple myeloma, and it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of the treatment schedule. Talk to your provider about using a treatment calendar so all your appointments and treatment doses are written down. You can also consider using an app on your phone to help you remember.

    • Check your temperature at least once a day. Call your provider as soon as possible if you have a fever (a temperature that’s 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). It’s important for your provider to know if you get sick, and sometimes a fever might be the only sign that you’re sick.

      • If you have diabetes and you typically check your blood sugar at home, talk to your provider about what blood sugar levels are unsafe for you. Also ask when you should contact them with your results. You might have higher blood sugar during treatment, especially on days when you take dexamethasone, one of the medications that’s given together with Empliciti (elotuzumab).

        • You shouldn’t breastfeed while you’re getting treated with Empliciti (elotuzumab). We don’t know whether the medication passes into human breast milk. But it has a potential risk of harming a baby if it does based on what we know about the way Empliciti (elotuzumab) works. The other medications that are usually given with Empliciti (elotuzumab) can also cause harm to breastfed babies.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Empliciti (elotuzumab)

          Is Empliciti (elotuzumab) chemotherapy?
          No, Empliciti (elotuzumab) isn’t a chemotherapy medication. Chemotherapy works by attacking cells in the body that are growing quickly, regardless of what type of cell it is. Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells that grow faster than normal, but it can also attack healthy cells that grow quickly, too. Empliciti (elotuzumab) works in a more specific way, so it’s called a targeted therapy. Empliciti (elotuzumab) targets and attaches to a very specific protein called SLAMF7 that’s found on certain cells, including multiple myeloma cancer cells. This allows the medication to attack cancer cells more specifically.
          Is Empliciti (elotuzumab) immunotherapy?
          Empliciti (elotuzumab) isn’t typically considered immunotherapy, even though the medication uses and works with the immune system to treat cancer. The term “immunotherapy” usually refers to medications that turn on a specific type of immune cell called T cells to attack cancer. Empliciti (elotuzumab) is a targeted therapy. Instead of using T cells, Empliciti (elotuzumab) attaches directly to multiple myeloma cancer cells and other types of immune cells to fight the cancer. Empliciti (elotuzumab) also doesn’t cause immune-related side effects that can happen with immunotherapy.
          Is Empliciti (elotuzumab) ever given by itself?
          Empliciti (elotuzumab) isn’t typically given by itself. It works better to treat cancer when it’s used together with other medications, such as dexamethasone and an immunomodulatory drug like lenalidomide (Revlimid) or Pomalyst (pomalidomide). Empliciti (elotuzumab) is FDA approved and recommended to be given together with those medications rather than by itself.
          Do I need to take a blood thinner if I take Empliciti (elotuzumab)?
          It’s recommended that you take a blood thinner such as aspirin to prevent blood clots while you’re taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) with immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide (Revlimid) or Pomalyst (pomalidomide). We don’t know whether Empliciti (elotuzumab) raises the risk for blood clots. But people who have multiple myeloma and who take these immunomodulatory drugs are at a higher risk for blood clots, and Empliciti (elotuzumab) is usually given along with these immunomodulatory drugs. It’s important to note that there might be reasons why you shouldn’t take a blood thinner, such as having low platelets, so talk with your provider about which choice is best for you.
          Is Empliciti (elotuzumab) safe during pregnancy?
          We don’t know whether Empliciti (elotuzumab) is safe to take during pregnancy. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take Empliciti (elotuzumab) with an immunomodulatory drug, such as lenalidomide (Revlimid) or Pomalyst (pomalidomide), to treat your cancer, and these medications cause serious birth defects and pregnancy loss (miscarriage). Speak with your provider about whether the treatment plan with Empliciti (elotuzumab) is right for you and whether there are safer alternatives if you’re pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant. Your provider will discuss specific birth control requirements if it’s decided that this treatment plan is best for you. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Empliciti (elotuzumab)?

          Empliciti (elotuzumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Infusion-related reactions

          Some people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) developed an infusion reaction during their treatment. Symptoms of an infusion reaction include fever, chills, chest pain or tightness, and changes in blood pressure. Most of the time, these reactions happen when you get your first dose of Empliciti (elotuzumab).

          To prevent an infusion reaction, you’ll typically receive several medications before your Empliciti (elotuzumab) treatment; these “premedications” can include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). But reactions can still occur even with these medications. Let your nurse know right away if you experience symptoms of an infusion reaction during your treatment.

          risk-warning

          Infections

          People who take Empliciti (elotuzumab) commonly develop infections, such as a cold, pneumonia, and shingles. You’re at risk for infections because your immune system might not work as well when you have multiple myeloma. Additionally, the treatment you take for multiple myeloma, such as Empliciti (elotuzumab) and immunomodulatory drugs, can lower your immune system even more. As a result, your body can’t fight infections as well.

          Your provider might recommend you take certain medications, such as antivirals or antibiotics, to help prevent infections. It’s important that you check your body temperature regularly and seek medical attention right away if it’s ever 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This means that you have a fever, and it might mean you have an infection that needs further treatment.

          risk-warning

          New cancers

          Though uncommon, some people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) developed a new cancer. Skin cancers were most common in studies. Your provider will examine you for any new cancers (especially skin cancers) while you’re taking Empliciti (elotuzumab).

          risk-warning

          Liver problems

          Rarely, people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) had higher levels of liver enzymes on their lab tests. High liver enzymes can result from liver irritation. Your provider will regularly check your liver function with lab tests during treatment. If you have changes in your lab results, you might have to pause Empliciti (elotuzumab) while your provider looks into it.

          risk-warning

          Interference with lab testing

          Empliciti (elotuzumab) can interfere with certain lab tests that are used to track how well your multiple myeloma is responding to treatment. This interference can lead to abnormal results on these lab tests. Your provider should be aware of this lab interference. They’ll discuss with you about your response to Empliciti (elotuzumab) treatment.

          dosage

          Empliciti (elotuzumab) dosage forms

          Typical dosing for Empliciti (elotuzumab)

          The dose depends on your body weight and which treatment combination you’re taking. Empliciti (elotuzumab) is given as an infusion through the vein during each 28-day treatment cycle.

          For people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone

          • Cycles 1 and 2: The usual dose of Empliciti (elotuzumab) is 10 mg/kg of weight once per week.

          • Cycle 3 and onward: The usual dose of Empliciti (elotuzumab) is 10 mg/kg every other week.

          For people taking Empliciti (elotuzumab) with Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone

          • Cycles 1 and 2: The usual dose of Empliciti (elotuzumab) is 10 mg/kg of weight once per week.

          • Cycle 3 and onward: The usual dose of Empliciti (elotuzumab) is 20 mg/kg once every 4 weeks (i.e., on day 1 of each cycle).

          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Empliciti (elotuzumab)?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Empliciti (elotuzumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Empliciti (elotuzumab)
          Used for:
          View Prices
          Ninlaro (ixazomib)
          Used for:

          • Multiple myeloma in people whose cancer came back after receiving anticancer treatments

          View Prices
          Kyprolis (carfilzomib)
          Used for:
          View Prices

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          References

          Best studies we found

          American Cancer Society. (2018). Tests to find multiple myeloma.

          American Cancer Society. (2018). What is multiple myeloma?

          American Cancer Society. (2019). Immunomodulators and their side effects.

          View All References (21)

          American Cancer Society. (2020). Fever.

          American Cancer Society. (2020). Low platelet count (bleeding).

          American Cancer Society. (2020). What are infusion or immune reactions?

          American Cancer Society. (2021). How targeted therapies are used to treat cancer.

          American Cancer Society. (2023). Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).

          Cesarman-Maus, G., et al. (2012). Thrombosis in multiple myeloma (MM). Hematology.

          Conroy, M., et al. (2022). Immune-related adverse events and the balancing act of immunotherapy. Nature Communications.

          Díaz-Tejedor, A., et al. (2021). Immune system alterations in multiple myeloma: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to reverse immunosuppression. Cancers.

          Dimopoulos, M. A., et al. (2020). Elotuzumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone in RRMM: Final overall survival results from the phase 3 randomized ELOQUENT-2 study. Blood Cancer Journal.

          E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. (2022). Emplicity- elotuzumab injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Holstein, S. A., et al. (2017). Immunomodulatory drugs in multiple myeloma: Mechanisms of action and clinical experience. Drugs.

          InformedHealth.org. (2023). How does the immune system work? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

          Key, N. S., et al. (2023). Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment in patients with cancer: ASCO guideline update. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

          Kikuchi, J., et al. (2020). Soluble SLAMF7 promotes the growth of myeloma cells via homophilic interaction with surface SLAMF7. Leukemia.

          Magen, H., et al. (2016). Elotuzumab: The first approved monoclonal antibody for multiple myeloma treatment. Therapeutic Advances in Hematology.

          Minařík, J., et al. (2022). Immunomodulatory agents for multiple myeloma. Cancers.

          National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Plasma cell.

          National Cancer Institute. (2022). Targeted therapy to treat cancer.

          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Anemia and neutropenia: Low red and white blood cell counts.

          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Multiple myeloma.

          Wang, Y., et al. (2016). Elotuzumab for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Journal of Hematology and Oncology.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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