Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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Ofatumumab IV Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: OFATUMUMAB - INJECTION
Pronounced: (oh-fuh-TOO-muh-mab)

Ofatumumab IV Uses

Ofatumumab is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (CLL - chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in patients who have not responded to other cancer chemotherapy drugs (such as fludarabine, alemtuzumab). Ofatumumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How To Use Ofatumumab IV

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is usually given once a week for the first 8 doses, then once every 4 weeks for the last 4 doses or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To prevent side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications before each treatment, including acetaminophen, an antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine), and a corticosteroid (such as methylprednisolone).

This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) infusion-related reactions during or up to 24 hours after treatment. These reactions occur more often during the first and second treatments. Your doctor will monitor you closely and increase your dose slowly to reduce the chances of these serious side effects. If you have a reaction, your treatment will be temporarily stopped. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if any of these effects occur: chest pain, flushing, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, fainting, pounding/irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, back/stomach pain, or rash/itching.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised June 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.