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Empliciti (elotuzumab) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with multiple myeloma in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone after one to three prior therapies, or with pomalidomide and dexamethasone after at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.
These insights are based on 220 comments about Empliciti from MyMyelomaTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Empliciti works by targeting a protein called SLAMF7. This protein is found on myeloma cells and some immune cells.
The medicine helps the immune system find and destroy myeloma cells, helping slow down or control multiple myeloma.
Doctors prescribe Empliciti with other medications to treat multiple myeloma in adults who have received a least three prior treatments. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it goes into a vein.
Treatment is given in 28-day cycles. In the first two cycles, Empliciti is given once a week.
After that, it is usually given every two weeks when used with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and every four weeks when used with pomalidomide and dexamethasone.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 220 comments about Empliciti from MyMyelomaTeam members.Members who use Empliciti often say it helps to know the treatment schedule, watch for side effects, and keep an eye on lab results over time. Many also stress staying in close contact with their care team, especially if symptoms change or the treatment seems to stop working.
Ask your doctor what infusion timing to expect.
“The Empliciti infusion is every week for the first two cycles and then once every two weeks thereafter for the combination I’m on.”
Keep track of side effects after each treatment.
“I do feel fatigue and weakness. Can’t bend over to pick up things off the floor. However, this treatment combo has worked better than others considering the lack of negative side effects.”
Tell your doctor about breathing problems, swelling, or reactions.
“Someone said shortness of breath, and I do get that. But I also have a lot of edema in my feet.”
Get blood work and follow your numbers closely.
“After almost three months, the major key indicator is the M-spike results from the SPEP test, and it has dropped from 0.9 to 0.1.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple myeloma. Join MyMyelomaTeam for free.
In clinical trials of Empliciti used with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in adults with multiple myeloma, the most common side effects occurred in about 20 percent to 62 percent of people. They include:
In clinical trials of Empliciti used with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in adults with multiple myeloma, the most common side effects occurred in about 20 percent to 22 percent of people. They include constipation and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Empliciti can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction from Empliciti.
Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Empliciti, offers the BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible individuals with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per dose.
To learn more, visit the BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program or call 800-861-0048.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to elotuzumab or any ingredients in Empliciti.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections or have had cancer in the past.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Empliciti, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide (taken with Empliciti) can harm your baby if you are pregnant and must not be used during pregnancy. You should not breastfeed during treatment with Empliciti.
How effective is Empliciti?
In one study of adults with multiple myeloma who had one to three prior treatments, about 79 percent of people taking Empliciti with lenalidomide and dexamethasone had their cancer respond, compared to about 66 percent without Empliciti. The time before the disease got worse was about 19 months with Empliciti and 15 months without it. People also lived longer, about 48 months with Empliciti compared to 40 months without it.
In another study of adults who had already received at least two prior treatments, about 53 percent of people taking Empliciti with pomalidomide and dexamethasone had a response, compared to about 26 percent without it. The time before the disease got worse was about 10 months with Empliciti and five months without it. People also lived longer, about 30 months with Empliciti compared to 17 months without it.
How often is Empliciti taken for multiple myeloma?
Empliciti is given by IV infusion in 28-day cycles. With lenalidomide and dexamethasone, it is given weekly during the first two cycles, then every two weeks after that. With pomalidomide and dexamethasone, it is given weekly during the first two cycles, then every four weeks after that.
Can Empliciti cause infusion reactions in multiple myeloma treatment?
Yes, Empliciti can cause infusion reactions, which can happen during or soon after the infusion. In studies, about 10 percent of people in one trial and about 3.3 percent in another had these reactions. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and high blood pressure.
Slower heart rate and low blood pressure can also happen. People are given medications before each infusion to help lower the risk of these infusion-related reactions.
Does Empliciti increase the risk of infections in multiple myeloma treatment?
Yes, infections are common in people taking Empliciti with other myeloma medications. In one study, infections occurred in 81 percent of people taking Empliciti with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. In another study, infections happened in 65 percent of people taking Empliciti with pomalidomide and dexamethasone.
These infections included pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. People should be monitored for signs of infection and report symptoms to their doctor right away.
On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with multiple myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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