OFATUMUMAB - INJECTION

OFATUMUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (oh-fuh-TOO-muh-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arzerra

GENERIC NAME(S): ofatumumab

Uses

USES: Ofatumumab is used to treat a certain type of cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia - CLL). Ofatumumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use OFATUMUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage and treatment schedule is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To lower the chance of side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications before each treatment, including acetaminophen, an antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine), and a corticosteroid (such as methylprednisolone). This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) infusion-related reactions during or up to 24 hours after treatment. These reactions occur more often during the first and second treatments. Your doctor will monitor you closely and increase your dose slowly to reduce the chances of these serious side effects. If you have a reaction, your treatment will be temporarily stopped. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if any of these effects occur: chest pain, flushing, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, fainting, pounding/irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, back/stomach pain, or rash/itching.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning and How to Use section. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, swelling of hands/ankles/feet, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Your doctor will order blood tests to check for this side effect. It is important to keep all medical/lab test appointments. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat). Ofatumumab sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine), muscle spasms/weakness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have ever had a severe reaction to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD, asthma), liver disease (such as hepatitis B), heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack), immune system problems (such as HIV). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Ofatumumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Warning

WARNING: This drug may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Also, if you have a current or past infection with hepatitis B, this drug may cause the infection to return or worsen. This may occur during treatment or after treatment is finished. Before starting treatment with this medication, your doctor may order a test to see if you have hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may also order blood tests and watch for symptoms of liver disease during treatment and for months after your last dose of this medication. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. Ofatumumab increases your risk of getting a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of PML, including: loss of balance/dizziness, confusion, difficulty walking/talking, seizure, vision changes.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.