Olaratumab (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lartruvo
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for olaratumab
Olaratumab injection is used in combination with doxorubicin to treat soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who cannot be cured with radiation therapy or surgery, and need to be treated with an anthracycline-containing regimen. Olaratumab interferes with the growth of tumor, which are eventually destroyed by the body.
Olaratumab is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using olaratumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For olaratumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to olaratumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of olaratumab injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of olaratumab injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper use of olaratumab
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you olaratumab in a hospital. Olaratumab is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
Olaratumab is usually given on Day 1 and Day 8 of a 21-day cycle treatment. For the first 8 cycles, it is given in combination with doxorubicin. Each treatment usually takes about 60 minutes.