Obinutuzumab (Gazyva, Genentech) is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of CLL and follicular lymphoma; it is administered as an IV infusion. This section explains the common adverse reactions, warnings and precautions, drug interactions and other contraindications associated with obinutuzumab therapy.
Topics Covered:
Common adverse reactions
Warnings and precautions
Drug interactions and other contraindications
Obinutuzumab common adverse reactions
Adverse reactions occurring in at least 10% of patients with CLL included infusion reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, fever, cough, nausea and diarrhea. Adverse reactions in patients with follicular lymphoma included these same adverse events, as well as constipation, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infections, decreased appetite, arthralgia, sinusitis, asthenia and urinary tract infection.
Obinutuzumab warnings and precautions
The following adverse events have been reported in association with obinutuzumab:
- infusion reactions (patients should be premedicated with an antihistamine, a steroid and acetaminophen, and should be closely monitored for signs of infusion reaction during infusion);
- tumor lysis syndrome (patients with high tumor burden should be premedicated with anti-hyperuricemics and should receive aggressive IV hydration);
- neutropenia (patients should be monitored closely for signs of infection); and
- thrombocytopenia (platelet counts should be monitored regularly).
Obinutuzumab drug interactions and other contraindications
Patients should not be vaccinated with a live virus vaccine before or during obinutuzumab treatment.
Based on its mechanism of action, obinutuzumab may cause B-cell depletion in fetuses. It is important to weigh the potential risk to the fetus when considering treatment with obinutuzumab for a pregnant woman.
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