Uses
Obinutuzumab injection is used with chlorambucil (Leukeran) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). It is also used alone or with bendamustine (Bendeka, Treanda) or other chemotherapy medication(s) to treat follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL; a slow-growing blood cancer) in people who are starting treatment or whose disease has returned or has not improved after receiving other chemotherapy medication(s). Obinutuzumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by killing cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Obinutuzumab Injection
Obinutuzumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:
- muscle or joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- chest pain, joint pain, and fever
- decreased urination frequency or amount
Obinutuzumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving obinutuzumab injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to obinutuzumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in obinutuzumab injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any medications for high blood pressure. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or lung disease. Also, tell your doctor if you have any type of infection now or if you have or have ever had an infection that would not go away or an infection that comes and goes.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving obinutuzumab injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving obinutuzumab injection.
- do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.
Dosage Of Obinutuzumab Injection
Obinutuzumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital. Your doctor will select a schedule to give you obinutuzumab injection along with other medications that are best to treat your condition.
Your doctor may need to interrupt or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Your doctor will give you other medications to prevent or treat certain side effects before you receive each dose of obinutuzumab injection. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following during or within 24 hours after you receive obinutuzumab: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest, headache, chills, and fever.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with obinutuzumab injection.
Other
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about obinutuzumab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
