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Imdelltra (tarlatamab)
Starting Imdelltra can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Bispecific T-cell engager (DLL3) · Used for: Lung cancer
💉 Given by IV or injection · Bispecific T-cell engager (DLL3)
The quick guide
What it is: Bispecific T-cell engager (DLL3).
How it's given: An IV infusion in a clinic every 2 weeks; you stay for monitoring after the first doses.
How it works: Imdelltra connects your T cells to small cell lung cancer cells that carry DLL3, helping your immune system kill them. It's used for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer that has grown after platinum chemo.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Cytokine release syndrome (fever, chills, low blood pressure) | Tell your care team; they can help. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
| Dysgeusia (taste changes and appetite loss) (Taste changes and decreased appetite) | Small, frequent meals; try tart or seasoned foods. |
| Constipation (hard or infrequent stools) | Fluids, fiber if allowed, daily walks. |
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) | Wash hands often; check your temperature if you feel unwell. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- ⚠️ Boxed warning (FDA's most serious): Cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, which can be serious. You'll be watched closely after the first doses.
- Fever, chills, dizziness, or trouble breathing (cytokine release syndrome)
- Confusion, trouble speaking, shaking, or sleepiness (nervous system effects)
- Call right away for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ During each infusion
- You'll get the medicine through an IV in a clinic; nurses check you during the infusion.
- Tell the nurse right away about chills, itching, flushing, or trouble breathing.
- Bring a snack, water and something to pass the time.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Cytokine release syndrome (fever, chills, low blood pressure) | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ | |
| Dysgeusia (taste changes and appetite loss) | ☐ | |
| Constipation (hard or infrequent stools) | ☐ | |
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) | ☐ |
Help paying for Imdelltra (tarlatamab)
Imdelltra (tarlatamab) is made by Amgen.
Official manufacturer program:
- Amgen SupportPlus: Copay programs for commercial insurance and help finding other support.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Medicare Part B usually covers drugs given by infusion in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient clinic. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- LUNGevity: Patient education, support groups and survivorship programs
- GO2 for Lung Cancer: Helpline, biomarker testing support and navigation
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Imdelltra work?
Imdelltra connects your T cells to small cell lung cancer cells that carry DLL3, helping your immune system kill them.
How is Imdelltra given?
An IV infusion in a clinic every 2 weeks; you stay for monitoring after the first doses.
How is Imdelltra (tarlatamab) given?
An IV infusion in a clinic every 2 weeks; you stay for monitoring after the first doses.
How does Imdelltra (tarlatamab) work?
Imdelltra connects your T cells to small cell lung cancer cells that carry DLL3, helping your immune system kill them. It's used for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer that has grown after platinum chemo.
What side effects are common with Imdelltra (tarlatamab)?
Side effects people often notice include Cytokine release syndrome (fever, chills, low blood pressure), Fatigue (extreme tiredness), Dysgeusia (taste changes and appetite loss), Constipation (hard or infrequent stools), and Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk). Not everyone gets them, and our table above shares tips that may help at home.
When should I call my care team while on Imdelltra (tarlatamab)?
Call right away if you notice any of these: ⚠️ Boxed warning (FDA's most serious): Cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, which can be serious. You'll be watched closely after the first doses; fever, chills, dizziness, or trouble breathing (cytokine release syndrome); confusion, trouble speaking, shaking, or sleepiness (nervous system effects). If you're ever unsure, it's always OK to call.
What cancers is Imdelltra (tarlatamab) used for?
On this site, we cover Imdelltra (tarlatamab) for lung cancer. Your care team decides whether it fits your situation.
📄 The official FDA label for Imdelltra (tarlatamab), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write
Sources
Last updated: October 15, 2026. We summarize these sources in our own words.