Ofatumumab

Ofatumumab is a medication prescribed for treating a certain type of cancer known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is used in people who have not responded to certain other chemotherapy treatment. The intravenous infusion is administered by a healthcare provider once every one to four weeks. Side effects may include infections, fever, and coughing.

What Is Ofatumumab?

Ofatumumab (Arzerra®) is a prescription medication approved to treat a certain type of leukemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow) known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is reserved for use in people who tried and failed treatment with alemtuzumab (Campath®) and fludarabine (Fludara®). Ofatumumab belongs to a group of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies.
 
(Click What Is Ofatumumab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, ofatumumab may cause side effects, and some of them can be significant.
 In fact, most people who use the drug will experience some type of side effect during treatment.
 
Talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to prevent or treat reactions you may experience. Your healthcare provider may give you medicines to help manage some of the ofatumumab side effects.
 
Common side effects of ofatumumab include but are not limited to:
 
  • Decreased blood cell counts
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Diarrhea.
 
(Click Ofatumumab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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