Gazyva

(obinutuzumab)

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Treats a type of leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma (FL).

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Our bottom line

Gazyva (obinutuzumab) used to treat specific types of leukemia and lymphoma, but has some severe side effects.

Quick facts about Gazyva
  • Drug class: cancer
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • First-choice treatment for chronic leukocytic leukemia.
  • Good alternative to Rituxan for follicular lymphoma.
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What to expect from Gazyva, on one page

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Downsides

  • Can lead to serious side effects.
  • No generic available so can be costly.
  • People with heart or lung problems can be at greater risk of side effects.
  • Requires regular blood tests to check for side effects.
  • You'll have to go to your doctor's office or infusion center to receive your medicine.
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What to expect from Gazyva, on one page

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How it works

Gazyva (obinutuzumab) is an antibody therapy that targets a specific protein found on cancer cells.

Quick facts about Gazyva
  • Drug class: cancer
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Injection
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What to expect when you take Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Infusion reaction (dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, or chest pain)
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Low platelet count
  • Cough
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Side effect rates for Gazyva (obinutuzumab)

From 336 clinical trials of Gazyva when taken for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Infusion reactions
    66%66%
  • Low neutrophils
    38%38%
  • Low platelets
    14%14%
  • Diarrhea
    10%10%
  • Fever
    9%9%
  • Constipation
    8%8%
  • Low white blood cells
    6%6%
  • Common cold or flu
    6%6%
  • Urinary tract infection
    5%5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Gazyva.

Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
Placebo

People taking Gazyva felt side effect more

People taking Gazyva felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Gazyva (obinutuzumab)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Prior infection with hepatitis B

    Before starting Gazyva (obinutuzumab), your doctor will test you for hepatitis B. If you have been infected with hepatitis B before, it is important to monitor the virus closely since Gazyva (obinutuzumab) can reactivate the infection and damage your liver.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Gazyva (obinutuzumab)

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Kidneys and liver
  • Before starting Gazyva (obinutuzumab), your doctor will test you for hepatitis B. If you have been infected with hepatitis B before, it is important to monitor the virus closely since Gazyva (obinutuzumab) can reactivate the infection and damage your liver.
Pain
  • Talk to your doctor right away if you have dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, or chest pain