Ofatumumab Injection

Uses

Ofatumumab injection is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in adults who have not gotten better after treatment with fludarabine (Fludara) and alemtuzumab (Campath). Ofatumumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by killing cancer cells.

Side Effects Of Ofatumumab Injection

Ofatumumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • muscle spasms
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • difficulty sleeping

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • heavy sweating
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • hoarseness
  • sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest
  • weakness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint, flat, round, red spots under the skin
  • rash
  • hives
  • fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection
  • pain in arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • chest pain,
  • fast heartbeat
  • fainting

Ofatumumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before receiving ofatumumab injection:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ofatumumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ofatumumab 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. 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 the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways) or hepatitis B (a virus that infects the liver and may cause severe liver damage or liver cancer).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving ofatumumab injection, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving ofatumumab injection.
  • ask your doctor whether you should receive any vaccinations before you begin your treatment with ofatumumab. Do not have any vaccinations during your treatment without talking to your doctor.

Dosage Of Ofatumumab Injection

Ofatumumab 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. It is usually injected once a week for 8 weeks then once a month for 4 months.

Your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Your doctor will give you other medications to prevent or treat certain side effects 30 minutes to 2 hours before you receive each dose of ofatumumab injection. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with ofatumumab injection.

Other

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ofatumumab 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.