Ofatumumab (By injection)
oh-FAT-oo-moo-mab
Treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Drug classes
Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ofatumumab injection is used in combination with chlorambucil to treat a type of cancer of the white blood cells called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in patients who have not received any treatments in the past. This medicine is also used in patients with CLL who have already been treated with other medicines (eg, alemtuzumab, fludarabine) that did not work well.
Ofatumumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by ofatumumab, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some unwanted effects, such as a skin rash, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some of the unwanted effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with ofatumumab, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least an hour.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ofatumumab.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, an infection, or a history of hepatitis B.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Infusion reactions Tumor lysis syndrome Hepatitis B infection Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest, back pain, dizziness, fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Arzerra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.