Obinutuzumab is used together with other medicines to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or CLL (a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells called lymphocytes).
This medicine is also used together with other medicines to treat follicular lymphoma (a type of slow-growing cancer that affects the lymphocytes).
Obinutuzumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Before starting your treatment, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of this medicine.
The dose of Obinutuzumab will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Obinutuzumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Obinutuzumab or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have any active infections as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Obinutuzumab and for 18 months after stopping the treatment.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hepatitis B infection (contagious liver infection caused by a virus from contaminated blood and body fluids)
- history of recurring or long-term infections
- history of heart disease
- pre-existing lung problems
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant during and for 18 months after stopping the treatment with Obinutuzumab. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening for hepatitis B virus must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infections or infusion-related reactions may also be needed.
Obinutuzumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, nasal congestion, sore throat, hair loss, itchiness, increased weight, and muscle, joint or bone pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of an allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs of infusion-related reactions e.g. dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain
- memory loss, trouble speaking, difficulty walking or problems with your eyesight
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Obinutuzumab. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any medicine for high blood pressure.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
