Gazyva
(obinutuzumab)
Treats a type of leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma (FL).
Our bottom line
Gazyva (obinutuzumab) used to treat specific types of leukemia and lymphoma, but has some severe side effects.
- 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
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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
Download Fact SheetGazyva (obinutuzumab) is an antibody therapy that targets a specific protein found on cancer cells.
- Drug class: cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Chronic lymphoid leukemia
- Follicular lymphoma
- Marginal zone and primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas
Dosage forms
- Injection
What to expect when you take Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst 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
Side effect rates for Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
- Infusion reactions66%66%
- Low neutrophils38%38%
- Low platelets14%14%
- Diarrhea10%10%
- Fever9%9%
- Constipation8%8%
- Low white blood cells6%6%
- Common cold or flu6%6%
- Urinary tract infection5%5%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Gazyva.
People taking Gazyva felt side effect more
People taking Gazyva felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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.
Common concerns from people taking Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- 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.
- Talk to your doctor right away if you have dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, or chest pain