Obinutuzumab: Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Obinutuzumab is a targeted therapy used primarily to treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Follicular Lymphoma. It works by aiding the immune system to destroy cancer cells. It is important to consult your healthcare provider about the dosage and schedule. Side effects can occur and should be promptly reported. Remember, you can always reach out to our telemedicine providers with any concerns.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Gazyva (Obinutuzumab)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the medication, in this case, Obinutuzumab. This name, found in parenthesis, remains the same worldwide and is not unique to any brand.

Pharmacologic Category

Obinutuzumab is a part of the pharmacologic category known as monoclonal antibodies, specifically, it’s a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody. Other drugs in this category include Rituximab and Ofatumumab.

Dosing

Obinutuzumab is indicated for the following conditions:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Given as an infusion, the typical dose is 1000 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 of the first 28-day cycle, followed by 1000 mg on day 1 of subsequent 28-day cycles for a total of six cycles.
• Follicular Lymphoma (FL): The recommended dose is 1000 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 of the first 28-day cycle, followed by 1000 mg on day 1 of each subsequent 28-day cycle for a total of six cycles, and then every 2 months for up to 2 years.

Please consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage. Our telemedicine team is ready to assist you with any queries or concerns.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) comes in an injectable form for infusion. It’s available as a 1000 mg/40 mL (25 mg/mL) single-dose vial.

Administration Instructions

Obinutuzumab is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Never attempt to self-administer this medication. If you need guidance on administration, our telemedicine providers can assist you.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Side effects may include:

• Common: Infusion reactions (fever, chills, flushing), infections, low white blood cell counts, cough, and constipation.
• Less common but serious: Severe infusion reactions, hepatitis B reactivation, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Always report any side effects to your healthcare provider. You can contact our telemedicine providers right away if you experience any side effects or have any concerns.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason not to take a certain medicine because it could be harmful to the patient. Obinutuzumab should not be taken if:

• You have had a severe allergic reaction to Obinutuzumab or any of its components. An allergic reaction can cause serious problems such as difficulty breathing and severe skin rashes.
• You have active Hepatitis B infection. Obinutuzumab can reactivate Hepatitis B leading to serious liver problems or death.

If you have concerns about any potential contraindications, our telemedicine providers are ready to help.

Drug to Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions between Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) and other medications. However, always inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you’re currently taking. Our telemedicine team can assist you with any queries or concerns.

Obinutuzumab in Pregnancy

Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers.

Obinutuzumab while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) is present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for advice.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $5,000 to $6,000. Prices can vary based on your location and the pharmacy you choose.

Possible Alternatives

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Follicular Lymphoma (FL), possible alternative treatments may include other drugs such as Rituximab (Rituxan) or Bendamustine (Treanda). Lifestyle changes that might help include a balanced diet and regular physical activity to help maintain strength and a healthy weight. It’s crucial to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Obinutuzumab Research

Research into the use of Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) continues with ongoing studies exploring its potential benefits for other conditions beyond CLL and FL. Recent studies have focused on its use in combination with other drugs to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Remember, our telemedicine team can provide you with the latest updates relevant to your treatment plan.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.