GAZYVARO 1,000MG CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION
OBINUTUZUMAB
What it does
Obinutuzumab is a medicine used to treat certain types of blood cancers.
Commonly used for: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-06-28 19:41:47 · updated 2026-09-25 02:03:30
About this medicine
Obinutuzumab is a medicine used to treat certain types of blood cancers.
What it treats
- chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
- follicular lymphoma
How it works
It works by targeting and destroying cancerous B cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults diagnosed with specific blood cancers.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if you are taking other medicines that affect bone marrow function.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Obinutuzumab
BNF-referencedObinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes, leading to their destruction. It is primarily used in the treatment of certain hematological malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma, especially in patients who have not responded adequately to previous therapies.
Indications
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Follicular lymphoma
- Other CD20-positive B-cell malignancies
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidance in paediatric patients, as specific doses may vary based on age and condition.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations, particularly for combination therapies or when managing specific patient populations.
Mechanism of action
Obinutuzumab selectively binds to the CD20 antigen on B cells, leading to B cell lysis through multiple mechanisms, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and induction of apoptosis. This action results in the depletion of B cells, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several B-cell malignancies.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of obinutuzumab involves the modulation of immune response through the direct targeting of B cells. The binding to CD20 enhances the immune system's ability to target and destroy malignant B cells while sparing normal B cells during the initial phases of treatment, although long-term effects on the immune system must be monitored.
Pharmacokinetics
Obinutuzumab has a half-life of approximately 14 days, with pharmacokinetics influenced by the patient's body weight and the presence of anti-drug antibodies. It is administered via intravenous infusion. The peak concentration occurs at the end of the infusion, and it is primarily cleared from the body through a combination of metabolism and immunogenic clearance.
Contra-indications
- Active hepatitis B infection
- Severe hypersensitivity to obinutuzumab or any of its excipients
Adverse effects
- Infusion-related reactions
- Nausea
- Hypotension
- Angina
- Skin reactions
- Tumour lysis syndrome
- Reactivation of infections
Interactions
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Corticosteroids may be used for premedication to reduce infusion-related reactions
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of active hepatitis B infection during and up to a year after treatment
- Monitor for infusion-related reactions
- Use effective contraception during and for 18 months after treatment
Pregnancy
Avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk due to risk of B-lymphocyte depletion in fetus.
Breast-feeding
Avoid breastfeeding during and for 18 months after treatment as it is present in milk in animal studies.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Solution for infusion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.