Brand Name(s): | WHY is this medicine prescribed? | HOW should this medicine be used? | Are there OTHER USES for this medicine? | What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow? | What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause? | What should I do in case of OVERDOSE? | What OTHER INFORMATION should I know? | ahfsCopyRight

Brand Name(s):

  • Arzerra®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

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.

HOW should this medicine be used?

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.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

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 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.
  • you should know that progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; a rare infection of the brain that cannot be treated, prevented, or cured and that usually causes death or severe disability) has occurred in patients receiving ofatumumab injection. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty talking or walking, or vision problems.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

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
  • sneezing

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

  • difficulty breathing
  • 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
  • extreme tiredness
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • 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 chest, arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • nausea
  • fainting

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

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ofatumumab injection.

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.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: April 1, 2010.