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Overview: Sarclisa is used to treat certain people with multiple myeloma. It is given by a health care provider as an infusion into a vein (IV). Common side effects include infections, diarrhea, tiredness, and infusion reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a fever or any symptoms of an infection. Keep all appointments, including for blood tests, while you are using Sarclisa.

Uses

What is Sarclisa used for?

Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc) is commonly used to treat certain people with multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer.

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

How does Sarclisa work (mechanism of action)?

Sarclisa is a type of cancer medicine known as immunotherapy. It binds to a specific protein that is found on the surface of some cancer cells. By binding to this protein, Sarclisa activates your immune system to find and kill the cancer cells.

How is Sarclisa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Sarclisa

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Sarclisa?

Sarclisa 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 Sarclisa?

The most common side effects of Sarclisa are listed below. These side effects may vary based on what other medicines you are using with Sarclisa. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Sarclisa 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 Sarclisa?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sarclisa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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. Sarclisa 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 or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms during or after your infusion.

  • Fever or chills
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough
  • Throat tightness or swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth, or face
  • Chest pain or a feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Hives, rash, or itching
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose

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

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing or coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Sarclisa may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Keep all appointments for blood tests while using Sarclisa. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Cancer. Sarclisa 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.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Sarclisa?

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

  • Isatuximab-irfc
  • Sarclisa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Sarclisa before using it?

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

Your health care provider may give you medicines to help reduce the risk of certain side effects from Sarclisa. Take these medicines exactly as your health care provider recommends.

Keep all appointments, including for blood tests, with your health care provider. This will help them know if it is safe for you to keep using this medicine.

Some people using Sarclisa with other medicines for multiple myeloma have had heart failure. This means the heart is not working as well as it should be. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any symptoms of heart failure, such as a cough, trouble breathing, or swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs.

Sarclisa may affect the results of certain lab tests. This may affect you if you need a blood transfusion. Before starting Sarclisa, your health care provider may check your blood type. Tell all of your health care providers, including blood banks, that you are using this medicine or have used it in the last six months.

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

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 Sarclisa is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Pregnancy. Sarclisa may cause harm to a fetus. If you can get pregnant, you should use an effective form of birth control while using Sarclisa and for five months after your last dose. Talk to your health care provider about your birth control options. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while using Sarclisa. It is not known if Sarclisa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Sarclisa?

For more information about Sarclisa, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.sarclisa.com or call them at 800-633-1610.

Interactions

Does Sarclisa interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does Sarclisa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Sarclisa 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 Sarclisa?

If you or someone else has used too much Sarclisa, 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 Sarclisa?

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