Gazyva
Generic name:obinutuzumab [ OH-bi-nue-TOOZ-ue-mab ]
Drug class:CD20 monoclonal antibodies
What is Gazyva?
Gazyva is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Obinutuzumab strengthens your immune system to help your body fight against tumor cells.
Gazyva is used in combination with another cancer medicine called chlorambucil to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Gazyva is also used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat follicular lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma), or to help delay the progression of this disease.
Warnings
If you've ever had hepatitis B, using Gazyva can cause this virus to become active 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.
Gazyva may cause a serious brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, walking, or muscle movement.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive Gazyva if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to obinutuzumab, including a condition called serum sickness.
To make sure Gazyva is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
hepatitis B or other liver problems;
kidney disease;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
if you have an active infection.
Do not use Gazyva if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed while using Gazyva, and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
How is Gazyva given?
Gazyva is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Gazyva is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only on certain days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with Gazyva.
On the days you receive this medicine, plan to spend most of the day at the hospital or infusion clinic.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Gazyva can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, using Gazyva can ...
