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Empliciti is given by a health care provider into a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat a certain type of blood cancer. Common side effects can include tiredness, diarrhea, constipation, fever, and cough. Serious side effects are less common but may include infusion reactions, other cancers, liver problems, or infections. Contact your health care provider right away if you have weakness or unusual tiredness, fever, or chills or think you have an infection. 

Uses

What is Empliciti used for?

Empliciti (elotuzumab) is commonly used in certain people who have multiple myeloma. 

Empliciti may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Empliciti work (mechanism of action)?

Empliciti is a type of medicine made from specially designed immune proteins that help the body find and attack certain cancer cells. It works by targeting a specific protein called signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7). This protein is found on the surface of multiple myeloma cancer cells and on certain immune cells. Empliciti activates these immune cells, called natural killer cells, causing them to attack the cancer cells. It also attaches to the cancer cells directly, which helps the immune system fight the disease.

How is Empliciti supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Empliciti

Dosage forms and strengths

Empliciti is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Empliciti?

Empliciti is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Empliciti?

The most common side effects of Empliciti are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Reduced appetite 
  • Pneumonia
  • Increased blood sugar levels

There may be other side effects of Empliciti that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Empliciti?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Empliciti are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Empliciti may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Empliciti and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Empliciti can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion or within 24 hours afterward.

  • Fever or chills
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Hives or rash
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

Infections. Empliciti can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Rash that is painful

Cancer. Empliciti can cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get. 

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Empliciti. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)

Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Empliciti?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Empliciti.

  • Elotuzumab
  • Empliciti
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Empliciti.

What should I know about Empliciti before using it?

Empliciti is usually given by a health care provider into a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic. 

Your health care provider will likely give you medicine before you get each dose of Empliciti to reduce your risk of side effects. These medicines often include the following.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain or fever
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
  • An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid)

Empliciti may interfere with certain lab tests. Talk with your health care provider about understanding your lab test results while using Empliciti.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Empliciti?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Empliciti is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Infections. Using Empliciti can increase your risk for infections. Tell your health care provider if you think you have an infection before or while using Empliciti. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Empliciti could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. But Empliciti is usually given with other medicines that may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about the possible risks of the other medicines you are using with Empliciti on pregnancy or the fetus. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Empliciti passes into breast milk. But Empliciti is usually given with other medicines that may be harmful to a baby through breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your health care provider about the possible risks of the other medicines you are using with Empliciti while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Empliciti?

For more information about Empliciti, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.empliciti.com or call them at 844-EMPLICITI (844-367-5424).

Interactions

Does Empliciti interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Empliciti and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Empliciti, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Empliciti interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Empliciti may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Empliciti?

If you or someone else has used too much Empliciti, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Empliciti?

Empliciti is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Empliciti as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Empliciti dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.