Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Arzerra (Ofatumumab).
Anemia: Arzerra (Ofatumumab) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Blood clotting: Arzerra (Ofatumumab) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including platelets, in your blood.
Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the digestive tract has been reported by people taking Arzerra (Ofatumumab) and other similar medications. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating while you are using Arzerra (Ofatumumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart disease: Serious blood pressure changes, fluid build-up around the lungs, and heart attack may occur with the use of Arzerra (Ofatumumab). If you have a history of heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Arzerra (Ofatumumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Arzerra (Ofatumumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hepatitis B infection: As it kills cancer cells, Arzerra (Ofatumumab) also damages the cells that are responsible for protecting the body from infection. If you have hepatitis B infection or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, this may allow the hepatitis B infection to flare up, possibly causing fatal liver damage. If you have a history of hepatitis B infection, discuss with your doctor how Arzerra (Ofatumumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Arzerra (Ofatumumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Arzerra (Ofatumumab) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Infusion Reactions: Arzerra (Ofatumumab) can cause a hypersensitivity or infusion reaction. Symptoms of this type of reaction generally appear during the infusion of the medication and may include flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. These reactions can be fatal if a health care provider is not informed immediately.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): This is a rare disease of the brain that is caused by viruses attacking the nerve cells in the brain. Rarely, it may occur when using medications like Arzerra (Ofatumumab). If you have had a previous episode of PML, Arzerra (Ofatumumab) is not an appropriate medication for you. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs and symptoms of PML, such as unusual clumsiness, memory loss, gradually worsening weakness, and possible visual, speech or personality changes.
Tumour lysis syndrome: Arzerra (Ofatumumab), like many other cancer medications, causes many cancer cells to be suddenly killed when treatment is first started. This can overwhelm the body with waste products from the cells. As a result, the body may not be able to keep up with getting rid of all the waste. When this happens, you may experience nausea, shortness of breath, cloudy urine, or joint pain. This is called tumour lysis syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to help your body get rid of the waste products. Make sure you understand how to use these medications and report any of these signs or symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: There is no information about the effect of Arzerra (Ofatumumab) on an unborn baby if Arzerra (Ofatumumab) is used during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Arzerra (Ofatumumab) and for 6 months after your last treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Arzerra (Ofatumumab), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Arzerra (Ofatumumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Arzerra (Ofatumumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Arzerra (Ofatumumab) have not been established for children.
