Darzalex® (daratumumab) for Multiple Myeloma: Uses, Dosing, and Shipping

What Darzalex® Is and How It Works

Darzalex® (daratumumab) is a CD38-directed monoclonal antibody used to treat adults with multiple myeloma. It is given as an intravenous infusion or as the fixed-dose subcutaneous darzalex faspro injection (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj). YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba, and pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We also work with vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medicines, a broad selection, and affordable pricing.

Daratumumab binds to CD38 on myeloma cells, leading to cell death through complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. It may also modulate the immune microenvironment by reducing immunosuppressive cells. Daratumumab is approved in combination with standard backbones (lenalidomide/dexamethasone, bortezomib/dexamethasone, pomalidomide/dexamethasone, and others) and as monotherapy in certain relapsed settings.

The intravenous Darzalex dosing is weight-based. The subcutaneous Darzalex Faspro uses a fixed dose delivered over several minutes. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson; often noted as J&J or JNJ) markets Darzalex worldwide. References to darzalex janssen, daratumumab janssen, and daratumumab johnson and johnson all refer to the same manufacturer family.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical IV schedule (monotherapy): 16 mg/kg weekly for weeks 1–8, every 2 weeks for weeks 9–24, then every 4 weeks until disease progression.
• Common IV combination schedules follow the same weekly, then every-2-weeks, then every-4-weeks cadence alongside backbone therapy.
• Subcutaneous Darzalex Faspro: fixed-dose daratumumab with hyaluronidase, injected over several minutes into the abdomen per labeled schedule.
• Premedication: corticosteroid, antihistamine, and antipyretic are given before each dose to reduce infusion or injection-related reactions.
• Post-dose corticosteroids may be used to reduce delayed reactions per protocol.
• Antiviral prophylaxis against herpes zoster reactivation is often recommended during treatment and for a set period afterward.
• Missed dose: administer as soon as possible and adjust the schedule to maintain the planned intervals; do not double a dose.
• Infusion reactions are most common with the first dose and may require slowing, interruption, or supportive medications.

• Storage: store vials at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) in the original carton; protect from light. Do not freeze or shake.
• Clinic preparation: diluted IV bags or prepared syringes follow labeled stability times; clinics handle beyond-use dating.
• Home delivery: you receive cold-packed parcels. Keep the carton refrigerated on arrival.
• Travel: use an insulated cooler with gel packs to keep 2–8 °C. Do not place vials directly on ice.
• Handling: keep upright, avoid agitation, and never heat in a microwave or car.
• Disposal: return unused or expired medication to a pharmacy take-back program where available.

Benefits and Savings

Darzalex improves response rates and progression-free survival across first-line and relapsed settings. Many patients experience rapid reductions in M‑protein and marrow plasmacytosis as treatment cycles accumulate. The subcutaneous formulation shortens chair time and may reduce clinic resource use compared with traditional infusions.

Buying from Canada often lowers daratumumab injection cost. Typical savings range from 60–80% versus common US pricing. You can compare darzalex injection price or daratumumab injection price on our site. Multi-month supplies, where clinically appropriate and allowed by prescription, can reduce the per-month spend. You can also set reorder reminders in your account to avoid missed cycles.

We list darzalex annual cost estimates to help planning. Actual darzalex cost per year varies by regimen (weekly, every-2-weeks, or monthly), body weight for IV dosing, and whether SC fixed-dose is used. Ask your oncology team which schedule applies before you place an order.

Side Effects and Safety

• Infusion/injection-related reactions: nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, chills, fever, nausea, flushing, rash, or shortness of breath (most common with the first dose).
• Hematologic effects: neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, sometimes severe.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite.
• General: fatigue, back pain, muscle spasms, peripheral edema.
• Respiratory/infectious: upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, bronchitis.
• Laboratory/test interference: indirect Coombs test positivity; interference with serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation.

Serious reactions can include severe infusion reactions (bronchospasm, hypotension, anaphylaxis), severe neutropenia or thrombocytopenia with infection or bleeding, and hepatitis B virus reactivation. Blood transfusion services should be informed before crossmatching, as daratumumab can cause a positive antibody screen. Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment. Discuss full risks with the oncology team.

Onset Time

Infusion or injection-related reactions, if they occur, usually happen with the first dose or during early administrations. Symptom improvement and M‑protein declines may begin within the first one to two months, with deeper responses developing over three to six months. Durable control depends on regimen, disease risk features, and prior therapies.

Compare With Alternatives

Isatuximab is another anti‑CD38 antibody used with pomalidomide/dexamethasone or carfilzomib/dexamethasone in relapsed myeloma. It shares a similar target to daratumumab but differs in dosing and clinical data.

Elotuzumab targets SLAMF7 and is used with lenalidomide/dexamethasone or pomalidomide/dexamethasone. It works through immune-mediated mechanisms distinct from CD38 antibodies, and infusion times differ.

Standard backbones remain important: bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide-based regimens, or pomalidomide/dexamethasone, chosen by line of therapy and patient factors. For other hematologic or oncology needs, we also carry agents such as Leukeran® and Bavencio®. You can also review our condition hub for Multiple Myeloma and learn more from articles like Darzalex Mechanism Of Action How It Treats Multiple Myeloma and Common Darzalex Side Effects And Tips To Manage Them.

Combination Therapy

• Darzalex + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (DRd): common in newly diagnosed or relapsed settings.
• Darzalex + bortezomib + dexamethasone (DVd): used in relapsed disease and in certain frontline combinations.
• Darzalex + pomalidomide + dexamethasone (DPd): an option after lenalidomide exposure.
• Frontline regimens may include Darzalex with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone for transplant-eligible patients, or with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone for ineligible patients.
• Dose modifications of companion drugs may be required to manage cytopenias and reduce reaction risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Darzalex is intended for adults with multiple myeloma under specialist care. It is not for pediatric use. Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to daratumumab should not receive it. Careful screening and monitoring are needed in those with chronic infections, hepatitis B risk, or significant cytopenias.

Daratumumab can interfere with blood typing and screening, so transfusion services should be informed. Consider antiviral prophylaxis to limit herpes zoster reactivation risk as advised by the oncology team. Live vaccines are generally avoided during therapy, and inactivated vaccines may be timed appropriately around treatment.

To manage costs, review darzalex annual cost with your clinic based on your exact schedule. Ordering a multi-month supply, when permitted, can lower per-month costs. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account to keep therapy on track. Our prices reflect Canadian sourcing and access to partner pharmacies, which helps keep daratumumab injections affordable for many patients.

Authoritative Sources

Janssen HCP Information for Darzalex

US Prescribing Information for Darzalex FASPRO

US Prescribing Information for Darzalex (IV)

Order Darzalex® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your oncology team. Always follow the directions provided by your prescriber and infusion clinic.