Ofatumumab injection is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in adults who have not gotten better after treatment with fludarabine (Fludara) and alemtuzumab (Campath). Ofatumumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by killing cancer cells.
Ofatumumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital. It is usually injected once a week for 8 weeks then once a month for 4 months.
Your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Your doctor will give you other medications to prevent or treat certain side effects 30 minutes to 2 hours before you receive each dose of ofatumumab injection. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with ofatumumab injection.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
muscle spasms
stuffy or runny nose
sneezing
difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest
weakness
extreme tiredness
yellowing of the skin or eyes
unusual bleeding or bruising
pale skin
pinpoint, flat, round, red spots under the skin
rash
hives
fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection
pain in chest, arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
nausea
fainting
Ofatumumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ofatumumab injection.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ofatumumab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 04/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.