Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: ofatumumab, injection; Arzerra
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia when other anticancer medicines are not effective.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These infusions are given by your healthcare provider. Each infusion will be given over several hours. You will be monitored while you receive the medicine. How long you will need this treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider.
You will be given medicines before the infusion to help prevent side effects.
You may get infections, including fungal infections, more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever or ANY other symptoms of infection. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness or pain in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Cough, fever, unexplained sore throat, confusion, trouble talking or walking, vision problems, severe headache, stiff neck, unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on the skin, yellow skin or eyes, unexplained tiredness or weakness, new or worsening stomach pain or nausea, fast heartbeat; unexplained swelling in hands or feet.
Other: Redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site; headache; nausea; dizziness; runny nose; heartburn; back pain; diarrhea; trouble sleeping; sweating.
Some vaccinations should not be given while you are receiving this medicine, and some should not be given for several months after you stop receiving this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
