Ofatumumab
About
Ofatumumab is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of cancer. The intravenous route of this medicine is used in combination with chlorambucil for the treatment of CLL in patients for whom fludarabine-based therapy is considered inappropriate and as an extended treatment in patients who have a partial response after at least two lines of therapy. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. The subcutaneous route of the medicine is used in treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves called myelin.
Ofatumumab contains Ofatumumab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the B-cell lymphocytes that are responsible for the multiplication of cancer cells.
Ofatumumab may cause certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, decreased platelet count, fatigue, cough, insomnia, injection site reactions and pain at the site of injection. If the side effects bother you, inform your doctor. A trained healthcare professional will administer Ofatumumab. Hence, do not self-administer.
While taking Ofatumumab if you experience any allergic reaction, inform your doctor. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, active infections, skin problems, or any allergic conditions. Ofatumumab is known to cause fetal B-cell depletion in neonates. Hence, inform your physician if you are pregnant beforehand. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking Ofatumumab.
Uses of Ofatumumab
Medicinal Benefits
Ofatumumab contains Ofatumumab, which belongs to the class of CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies. It is used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. This medicine works by binding to the CD20 antibody and causes lysis of B-cell lymphocytes responsible for the multiplication of cancer cells. This causes shrinkage of tumour cells and thereby prevents the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ofatumumab
For Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Cough
- Bruising or bleeding gums
- Pain at the site of injection
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased platelet count
- Rashes
- Decreased weight
- Injection site reactions
- Upper respiratory tract reactions
- Arthralgia
For Multiple Sclerosis:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Ofatumumab should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any history of liver/kidney disease, active infections, skin problems, or any allergic conditions. Ofatumumab may cause remission of active infections, severe skin reactions, tumour lysis syndrome (tumour cells release their contents into the bloodstream), hepatitis B virus reactivation, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. Ofatumumab may cause fetal B-cell depletion in infants. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand. Before nursing, a breastfeeding mother should ask her oncologist whether this medicine is safe for use or not. Ofatumumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, skin diseases, and infections before receiving Ofatumumab.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Ofatumumab interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeOfatumumab is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause fatal B-lymphocyte depletion in your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Ofatumumab.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Ofatumumab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
not applicableOfatumumab will be administered in the hospital setting. Hence, driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Ofatumumab. Ofatumumab may cause increased bilirubin levels and liver failure. Hence, inform your doctor if you observe any symptoms such as fatigue, yellow discolouration of eyes, and dark coloured urine. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Ofatumumab. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition.
Children
unsafeOfatumumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test should be performed, such as a liver function test or renal function test, to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body due to nerve damage. This causes symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, pain, impaired coordination, and fatigue.
FAQs
Ofatumumab contains Ofatumumab, which works by inhibiting the B-cell lymphocytes that are responsible for the multiplication of cancer cells
Ofatumumab may cause reactivation of serious infections, tumour lysis syndrome, hepatitis B virus reactivation, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and anaphylactic reactions in some patients. Hence, inform your oncologist about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions.