Arzerra (intravenous)

Generic name: ofatumumab (intravenous) [ OH-fa-TOO-mue-mab- ]
Other brand names of ofatumumab (intravenous) include: Arzerra
Drug classes: CD20 monoclonal antibodies, Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 28, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ofatumumab?

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.

Ofatumumab side effects

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.

Arzerra may cause serious side effects. 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 of Arzerra 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

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.

If you've had hepatitis B, it may come back or get worse. Tell your doctor if you don't feel well and you have right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How is ofatumumab given?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving ofatumumab?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine.

What other drugs will affect ofatumumab?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ofatumumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Biological Products Related to Arzerra

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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