Pronunciation: OH bi nue TOOZ ue mab

Brand: Gazyva

What is the most important information I should know about obinutuzumab?

If you have ever had hepatitis B, obinutuzumab can cause this condition to come back or get worse. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function during treatment and for several months after you stop using this medicine.

Obinutuzumab may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have any change in your mental state, decreased vision, or problems with speech or walking.

What is obinutuzumab?

Obinutuzumab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Obinutuzumab is used in combination with another cancer medicine called chlorambucil to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Obinutuzumab is also used in combination with a cancer medicine called bendamustine to treat follicular lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma).

Obinutuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving obinutuzumab?

You should not receive obinutuzumab if you are allergic to it.

To make sure obinutuzumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • hepatitis B or other liver problems;
  • heart disease;
  • high blood pressure;
  • an active or recent infection; or
  • if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), or other medicine used to prevent blood clots (clopidogrel, Plavix, Ticlid, and others).

It is not known whether obinutuzumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether obinutuzumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is obinutuzumab given?

Obinutuzumab is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Obinutuzumab is given in a 28-day treatment cycle, and you may only need to take the medicine during the first 1 to 2 weeks of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with obinutuzumab.

You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of obinutuzumab.

Obinutuzumab can lower blood cells that help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury. Your blood may need to be tested often.

If you have ever had hepatitis B, obinutuzumab can cause this condition to come back or get worse. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function during treatment and for several months after you stop using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your obinutuzumab injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving obinutuzumab?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using obinutuzumab. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of obinutuzumab?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Obinutuzumab may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have any change in your mental state, decreased vision, or problems with speech or walking. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy or nauseated, or have chest pain, trouble breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

  • fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
  • pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
  • dizziness, confusion, vision problems, loss of balance or coordination, problems with speech or walking;
  • liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
  • signs of tumor cell breakdown --lower back pain, blood in your urine, little or no urinating; numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; muscle weakness or tightness; fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, feeling short of breath; confusion, fainting.

Common side effects may include:

  • fever;
  • cough; or
  • muscle or joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect obinutuzumab?

Other drugs may interact with obinutuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about obinutuzumab.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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