Gazyva also known as obinutuzumab is a cancer medicine that inhibits the generation of cancer cells within the body. If you have or had hepatitis B before, Gazyva may worsen your state or restore it back. You will have to undergo regular checks and blood test while using Gazyva and after for some months after completing your dose.
Effectiveness of Gazyva
Gazyva or obinutuzumab is used together with another cancer medication known as chlorambucil in effectively treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Gazyva or obinutuzumab is also effectively utilized together with bendamustine which is also a cancer medicine to treat follicular lymphoma which is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Gazyva or obinutuzumab can cause chronic viral infection to the brain that may be fatal or lead to disability. Contact your doctor immediately when you suspect change in your mental condition, have issues with walking or speech or reduced vision.
What to know Before using Gazyva
People who are allergic to obinituzumab should not use gazyva or obinutuzumab. To be safe with gazyva or obinutuzumab, inform your physician if you have:
- Hepatitis B or other liver issues
- Heart illness
- High blood pressure
- Recent or active infection
If you are using blood thinner medicines such as coumadin, warfarin, jantoven or other drugs that inhibits blood clots such as Plavix, Clopidogrel, Ticlid and more.
It is not yet confirmed whether gazyva or obinutuzumab can harm unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are planning or you are already pregnant while on gazyva or obinutuzumab medication.
It is not clear whether obinutuzumab gets into breast milk or if it can hurt a nursing child. Do not breastfeed while using gazyva or obinutuzumab.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Gazyva?
General Adult Dose of Gazyva or Obinutuzumab for Treating Chronic (CLL) Lymphocytic Leukemia:
First Cycle: Day 1-100mg IV, Day 2-900mg IV, then on Days 8 and 15- 1000mg IV. For people who will not the first cycle they can continue with the day 1 dose to the initial day 2 dose.
Subsequent Cycles: Day 1- 1000mg IV of single subsequent 28 day cycle.
Period of Therapy: Gazyva or obinutuzumab is given for 6 cycles of treatment for 28 days each.
- Check your blood counts regularly.
- You should not use as an intravenous bolus or push.
- You should pre-medicate prior to every single infusion.
- Must be prescribed by a medical professional who will help you managa serious and deadly side effect that may appear.
Gazyva or obinutuzumab is used together with Chlorambucil in people who had untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia before.
What are the Side Effects of Gazyva?
Seek quick medical assistance if you suffer allergic reactions to gazyva or obinutuzumab such as breathing difficulty, hives or swelling of your throat, tongue, lips and face.
Use of gazyva or obinutuzumab may result to brain viral infections that can be fatal or cause disability. Contact your doctor immediately when you have mental changes, reduced vision, or issues with walking or speech. The signs may be gradual but worsen rapidly.
Certain side effects can show up during injection shot. Inform your doctor at once when you feel nauseated or dizzy, or have breathing problem, chest pain, diarrhea or vomiting.
Inform your doctor if you have the severe side effects of gazyva or obinutuzumab:
- Breathing problems, fever, mouth sores, swollen gums, skin sore, cough, signs of flu or cold, difficulty swallowing.
- Uncommon bleeding or bruising of the mouth, nose, rectum and vagina, red or purple spots under the skin.
- Confusion, short breath, pale skin, fast heart beat and light headed feeling.
- Vision problem, dizziness, loss of balance, speech problems.
- Liver issues like fatigue, nausea, itching, stomach pains, dark urine, lack of appetite, clay colored stools and jaundice.
- Symptoms of collapsed tumor cell like bloody urine, lower back aches, minimal or no urine, tingling or numbness of your mouth, tight or weak muscle, slow or rapid heartbeat, short breath and weak pulse, fainting.