Ofatumumab (Arzerra)
Ofatumumab is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia in adults.
Ofatumumab may be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Ofatumumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Ofatumumab (Arzerra)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an active or chronic infection;
- a condition for which you have used an immunosuppressant medication; or
- hepatitis B.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Ofatumumab (Arzerra)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Ofatumumab may cause a brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Tell your doctor if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms can get worse quickly.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain, redness, swelling, or itching where the medicine was injected;
- right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of your skin or eyes, and not feeling well;
- low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
- signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where an injection was given;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose;
- cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing, lung infection;
- low blood cell counts;
- diarrhea, nausea; or
- rash.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Ofatumumab (Arzerra) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Ofatumumab (Arzerra)?
Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Ofatumumab (Arzerra)?
Use Ofatumumab (Arzerra) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure ofatumumab is the right treatment for you.
Ofatumumab is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction.
Your blood will be tested before, during, and after treatment with ofatumumab, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.