BCMA TARGETED THERAPIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF INFECTIONS

Both viral and bacterial

– Up to a 3rd of patients on clinical trials has serious infections (requiring IV antibodies or hospitalization)

Increased risk of serious COVID complications despite history of vaccination

– Antibody levels

– Tixagevimab co - packaged with cilgavimab ( EVUSHELD )

– Immediate treatment once diagnosed Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavi ( Paxlovid )

• Start as soon as possible; must begin within 5 days of when symptoms start

7 - 10 fold increased risk of bacterial and viral infections for people with myeloma

Report fever of more than 100.4 °F, shaking chills even without fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, low blood pressure to HCP as directed.

Good personal hygiene (skin, oral)

Environmental control (wash hands, avoid crowds and sick people, etc)

Growth factor (Neupogen [filgrastim])

Immunizations (NO live vaccines) care team

• Medications (antibacterial, antiviral)