What is ofatumumab?
Ofatumumab is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
Ofatumumab is used in to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Ofatumumab is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Ofatumumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ofatumumab?
Ofatumumab increases the risk of a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as change in your mental state, problems with speech or walking, or decreased vision. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.
Before you receive ofatumumab, tell your doctor if you have hepatitis or severe COPD.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may need to be tested for several months, even after you stop using ofatumumab. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Call your doctor at once if you develop any symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
You should also call your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers, easy bruising or bleeding, or cough with mucus and stabbing chest pain.
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with ofatumumab.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ofatumumab?
Ofatumumab increases the risk of a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ofatumumab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ofatumumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.