Ofatumumab Injection (Cancer)

Ofatumumab is a medication that treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This type of cancer affects your blood and bone marrow. A healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. Make sure you keep your appointments for follow-up doses so you don’t miss a dose.

What is this medication?

OFATUMUMAB (OH fa TUE mue mab) treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It belongs to a group of medications called monoclonal antibodies.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arzerra

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Infection especially a viral infection such as hepatitis B, chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
  • Immune system problems
  • Recent or upcoming vaccine
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to ofatumumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Live virus vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

In some patients, this medication may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your care team right away. If you cannot reach your care team, get medical help right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in vision
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Back pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Flushing, mostly over the face, neck, and chest, during injection
  • Headache
  • Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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