This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer
(large B-cell lymphoma- LBCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma- DLBCL).
Glofitamab works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using
glofitamab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the Patient Wallet Card with you at
all times. Show the card to all of your health care providers to let them
know that you are being treated with glofitamab.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor. The injection is given by a health care
professional, usually over 2 to 4 hours. To reduce your risk of side
effects, your doctor will start this medication at a low dose and gradually
increase your dose. These starting doses are part of a "step-up dosing
schedule." You will also be given a single dose of another medication
(obinutuzumab) a week before your first "step-up dose" of glofitamab. You
must stay in the hospital/clinic during and for some time after the first
"step-up dose" so your doctor can monitor you closely and help you manage
any side effects. Your doctor will decide if you need to be monitored after
any of the following doses, based on any side effects you may have (such as
CRS). The treatment schedule is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will
prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, dexamethasone,
diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor may also
prescribe other medications (such as antibiotics, antivirals) to help
prevent infection. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your
medications.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness or muscle/joint pain may occur. If either of
these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, pale skin)
This medication can also cause serious (sometimes fatal)
nervous system problems. Careful monitoring and prompt treatment may
decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms
such as headache, numbness/tingling/weakness of hands or feet, feeling of
spinning/dizziness, mental/mood changes (such as confusion/delirium, memory
problems), trouble speaking, shaking, or drowsiness.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
Glofitamab sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
People using this medication may have worsening of their
symptoms (tumor flare). Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of
tumor flare such as: tender or swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, cough,
trouble breathing, or pain or swelling at the site of the
tumor.
Glofitamab can commonly cause a rash that is usually not
serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash
that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if
you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using glofitamab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent infections
- kidney problems
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or affect your
thinking and coordination. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these
effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness
until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor
if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
glofitamab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with
people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using glofitamab. Glofitamab
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for some time after the last dose. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for some time after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
kidney function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).