Treatment FAQ

gazyva treatment for cll, what is it

by Mrs. Kasey Thompson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Obinutuzumab strengthens your immune system to help your body fight against tumor cells. Gazyva is used in combination with another cancer medicine called chlorambucil to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

GAZYVA® (obinutuzumab) is a prescription medicine used with the chemotherapy drug, chlorambucil, to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults who have not had previous CLL treatment. Please see pages 18-23 and accompanying full Prescribing Information for Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNINGS.

Full Answer

How effective is Gazyva for CLL and FL?

By binding and destroying B-lymphocytes responsible for the cancer, Gazyva is an effective medication to treat CLL and FL. Pharmacokinetics differ based on what you’re using Gazyva to treat.

Can Gazyva be used to treat leukemia?

Gazyva is FDA-approved to treat the following: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia that hasn’t been treated. In this case, you’ll use Gazyva along with a drug called chlorambucil (Leukeran) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

What are the symptoms of Gazyva treatment?

You may be given medicines to take before each GAZYVA treatment. Symptoms of IRRs may include: fast heartbeat, tiredness, dizziness, headache, redness of the face, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort

Is there a pill form of Gazyva™?

Medications (such as steroids, acetaminophen (Tylenol™) and an anti-histamine) are usually given just before the infusion to reduce the occurrence of infusion-related symptoms. There is no pill form of Gazyva™.

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Is GAZYVA immunotherapy or chemotherapy?

Gazyva™ is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. Gazyva™ is classified as a "monoclonal antibody" (For more detail, see "How Gazyva™ Works" section below).

Do you lose your hair with GAZYVA?

You could lose all your hair. This includes your eyelashes, eyebrows, underarm, leg and sometimes pubic hair. Your hair will usually grow back once treatment has finished but it is likely to be softer. It may grow back a different colour or be curlier than before.

How long does GAZYVA last?

GAZYVA is given for a total of 6 cycles, or rounds of treatment. Each cycle will last 28 days. Treatment occurs only on certain days of each cycle and that is usually followed by several weeks of rest and recovery. This means that most people will complete their GAZYVA treatment in about 6 months.

Is GAZYVA an infusion?

If you have a reaction, the infusion is either slowed or stopped until your symptoms are resolved. Most patients are able to complete infusions and receive medication again. However, if the IRR is life-threatening, the infusion of GAZYVA will be permanently stopped.

Is GAZYVA a chemotherapy?

GAZYVA® (obinutuzumab) is a prescription medicine used with the chemotherapy drug, chlorambucil, to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults who have not had previous CLL treatment.

Does GAZYVA cause fatigue?

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in GAZYVA recipients included infusion-related reactions, fatigue, neutropenia, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, and musculoskeletal pain.

What are the side effects of GAZYVA?

Gazyva can cause infusion reactions. These are side effects that happen during your infusion or in the 24 hours after. They're usually mild, but they can sometimes be severe or even life threatening....Infusion reactionsfever.chills.rash.diarrhea.nausea or vomiting.low energy.chest discomfort.throat irritation.More items...•

How is GAZYVA administered?

Each dose of GAZYVA is 1000 mg, administered intravenously, with the exception of the first infusions in cycle 1, which are administered on day 1 (100 mg) and day 2 (900 mg). Day 1 100 mg Administer at 25 mg/hr over 4 hours. Do not increase the infusion rate.

How much does Obinutuzumab cost?

Cost of Gazyva is $41,300 for one 6-month course of treatment. Additional information can be found at www.gazyva.com.

How is GAZYVA different from Rituxan?

Gazyva (obinutuzumab) used to treat specific types of leukemia and lymphoma, but has some severe side effects. Calms down your immune system. Rituxan (Rituximab) is effective for treating multiple types of cancer and arthritis.

Is obinutuzumab an immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

Is obinutuzumab a chemo drug?

Drug Type: Obinutuzumab is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. Obinutuzumab is classified as a "monoclonal antibody" (For more detail, see "How Obinutuzumab Works" section below).

What is Gazyva used for?

Gazyva is used in combination with another cancer medicine called chlorambucil to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Gazyva is also used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat follicular lymphoma (a type of non- Hodgkin lymphoma ), or to help delay the progression of this disease.

How to tell if you have cancer from Gazyva?

signs of tumor cell breakdown - tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects. Common Gazyva side effects may include:

What are the side effects of Gazyva?

Common Gazyva side effects may include: 1 a reaction during or shortly after the injection; 2 tiredness; 3 low white blood cell counts; 4 diarrhea, constipation; 5 muscle or joint pain; or 6 cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat.

How long after Gazyva can you breastfeed?

Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while using Gazyva, and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

Can you use Gazyva while pregnant?

if you have an active infection. Do not use Gazyva if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Can you take Gazyva if you have a severe allergic reaction to Obinutuzumab?

You should not receive Gazyva if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to obinutuzumab, including a condition called serum sickness. To make sure Gazyva is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: high blood pressure; hepatitis B or other liver problems; kidney disease;

Can Gazyva cause brain damage?

Gazyva may cause a serious brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly. Some side effects may occur during the injection, or within 24 hours afterward.

What is Gazyva therapy?

Monoclonal antibody therapy is usually given only for cancers in which antigens (and the respective antibodies) have been identified already . Gazyva™ works by targeting the CD20 antigen on normal and malignant (cancerous) B-cells.

What is the generic name for Gazyva?

Gazyva™. Generic Name: Obinutuzumab. Gazyva™ is the trade name for the generic chemotherapy drug obinutuzumab. In some cases, health care professionals may use the generic name obinutuzumab when referring to the trade name Gazyva™.

How to make monoclonal antibodies?

To make anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies in the laboratory, scientists analyze specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells ( the targets). Then, using animal and human proteins, they create a specific antibody that will attach to the target antigen on the cancer cells.

What is PML in Gazyva?

Blood tests for Hepatitis B will be drawn prior to initiation of Gazyva™. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disorder that damages the material (myelin) that covers and protects nerves in the brain.

Is there a pill form for Gazyva?

There is no pill form of Gazyva™. The amount of Gazyva™ you will receive and the schedule it is given will depend on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

Can you take Gazyva before or after infusion?

The time of the infusion may be shortened, depending on whether or not you have received Gazyva™ in the past, or how well you tolerate Gazyva™. Medications (such as steroids, acetaminophen (Tylenol™) and an anti-histamine) are usually given just before the infusion to reduce the occurrence of infusion-related symptoms.

What is the active drug in Gazyva?

Gazyva contains the active drug obinutuzumab and belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. (A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)

How does Gazyva work?

Gazyva comes as a liquid solution that comes in a vial. A healthcare provider will give you Gazyva as an intravenous (IV) infusion. This is an injection into a vein that’s given over a set time. You’ll receive the infusions at your doctor’s office or in a hospital.

How long does Gazyva last?

An infusion is an injection into a vein that’s given over a set time. Gazyva infusions last 4 hours at first, but later doses may take less time. (See the “Gazyva dosage” section to learn more.)

How many people have hair loss from Gazyva?

13% of people who received Gazyva along with chemotherapy had hair loss. No one had hair loss that was considered severe. In comparison, 11% of people who received rituximab (Rituxan) and chemotherapy had hair loss. Less than 1% had hair loss that was considered severe.

What is the condition in which the contents of cancer cells pass into your blood?

tumor lysis syndrome (a condition in which the contents of cancer cells pass into your blood) hepatitis B virus reactivation (flare-up of the hepatitis B virus if you’ve had it in the past)*. a type of brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) *. * Gazyva has boxed warnings.

How long does it take for Gazyva to go away?

rash. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Gazyva.

Is Gazyva a biosimilar?

Gazyva generic or biosimilar. Gazyva is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in biosimilar form. A biosimilar is a medication that’s similar to a brand-name drug. A generic medication, on the other hand, is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name drug.

How long does it take to infuse obinutuzumab?

Pre-medications and intravenous (I.V.) fluids, such as hydration, may add more time. The IV infusions start as short as 4 hours and can extend several hours longer if reactions occur. See our section on the individual drug, obinutuzumab, below for more on infusion reactions

What is Venetoclax plus Obinutuzumab?

Venetoclax plus obinutuzumab is given to decrease symptoms of CLL such as enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, or symptoms of abnormal bone marrow function, such as frequent infections .

What is the difference between obinutuzumab and venetoclax?

Venetoclax is a type of targeted therapy. Obinutuzumab is designed to bind to a specific protein on the surface of cancerous cells, specifically B-lymphocytes, and target these cells for destruction by your own immune system. Obinutuzumab is a type of immunotherapy.

How long does it take for Venetoclax to stop?

If Venetoclax therapy is stopped for more than one week during the initial 5-week ramp-up phase due to side effects, abnormal blood tests, or infection, or stopped for more than two weeks after taking the 400 mg dose, the dose may again need to be reduced when restarting.

Can side effects be prevented?

Side effects may be treatable when they occur or preventable by taking certain medications before they happen.

Does Venetoclax kill B lymphocytes?

Venetoclax is designed to kill cancerous B-lymphocytes. It does this by binding to and inhibiting a protein in cancerous lymphocytes known as “BCL-2,” which prevents the cell from dying and also makes it resistant to certain drug treatments. Venetoclax is a type of targeted therapy.

How long does it take to take obinutuzumab?

Obinutuzumab. Day 1: Obinutuzumab 100 mg IV over four hours. Day 2: Obinutuzumab 900 mg IV over four or more hours (4 hours if no infusion reactions, more time if reactions occur) Day 8: Obinutuzumab 1000 mg IV over four or more hours. Day 15: Obinutuzumab 1000 mg IV over four or more hours.

What is acalabrutinib plus obinutuzumab?

Acalabrutinib plus obinutuzumab treatment is given to decrease symptoms of CLL such as enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, or symptoms of abnormal bone marrow function, such as frequent infections .

How long does it take to take acalabrutinib?

On occasion, it may be given in the hospital setting if someone is too sick. Cycle 1 (Days 1 - 28) Acalabrutinib 100 mg capsule by mouth twice every day for 28 days in a row, approximately 12 hours between doses. Cycle 2 (begins on Day 29; cycle length is 28 days)

Can side effects be prevented?

For some, side effects may be a reason to delay or switch treatment, reduce the dose, or avoid treatment with a certain medication altogether. Side effects may be treatable when they occur or preventable by taking certain medications before they happen.

Does CLL increase risk of infection?

CLL may increase the risk of infection risk. For certain patients with a history of severe infection, and a low IgG level, intravenous immune globulin, or "IVIG," may be offered to decrease the risk of infection.

Does obinutuzumab kill CLL cells?

The binding alone of obinutuzumab to the CLL cell may be enough to cause direct leukemia cell death.

What is Venclexta used for?

VENCLEXTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Use. VENCLEXTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

What to tell your healthcare provider before taking Venclexta?

Before taking VENCLEXTA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have kidney or liver problems. have problems with your body salts or electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphorus, or calcium. have a history of high uric acid levels in your blood or gout.

How long does it take to stop Venclexta?

Your healthcare provider may delay, decrease your dose, or stop treatment with VENCLEXTA if you have side effects. When restarting VENCLEXTA after stopping for 1 week or longer, your healthcare provider may again check for your risk of TLS and change your dose.

How much water should I drink before taking Venclexta?

Drink 6 to 8 glasses (about 56 ounces total) of water each day, starting 2 days before your first dose, on the day of your first dose of VENCLEXTA, and each time your dose is increased. Your healthcare provider may delay, decrease your dose, or stop treatment with VENCLEXTA if you have side effects.

What is tumor lysis syndrome?

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure, the need for dialysis treatment, and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will do tests to check your risk of getting TLS before you start taking VENCLEXTA.

Can you be free of disease after Venclexta?

You can be free of detectable disease in your blood. After completing VENCLEXTA treatment, some people had such a low level of CLL cells (fewer than 1 cancer cell per 10,000 white blood cells) that the cells were not detectable using sensitive clinical tests.

Is Venclexta more effective than chemotherapy?

The VENCLEXTA-containing regimen was proven to be more effective than the chemotherapy- containing regimen. The chance of disease worsening or death was 67% lower with the VENCLEXTA regimen (216 people) than with the chemotherapy-containing regimen (216 people). Doctors generally call this progression-free survival or PFS.

What is the best treatment for CLL?

Steroids. Corticosteroids (“steroids”) curb inflammation and are used to treat many conditions. They may also be part of your CLL treatment and to help control side effects from chemo. Your doctor may prescribe one, such as prednisone, as part of your CLL treatment.

What are the two types of drugs that stop cancer cells from growing?

Targeted Therapies. These are drugs that stop cancer cells from growing. They include two types of drugs: monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) mimic or boost the action of your own immune system. They attach to your cancer cells so your immune system can destroy them.

How does chemo work?

You get chemo in cycles that give the medicine time to work before your next dose. You may get chemo as tablets or by IV.

How long does it take for chemo to go away?

You can also get infections more easily. You can take medicine to help with some of these problems. Most of these side effects peak 3-5 days after you get chemo and go away after your treatment ends, though some last longer.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care aims to ease pain, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other stresses that may come with having cancer. What You Can Do. Cancer treatment is challenging.

How long does it take for tumor lysis to start?

Tumor lysis syndrome needs to be treated right away. Symptoms usually start 2 to 3 days after treatment. Call your doctor right away if you have severe vomiting and diarrhea, trouble peeing, feel dizzy, or have seizures. Kinase inhibitors target certain proteins in and on cancer cells that help them grow and spread.

Does curcumin kill CLL?

Since there’s no cure for CLL, so some people look to natural treatments. EGCG from green tea and curcumin from the herb turmeric show promise. In early lab tests, they kill CLL cells but don’t harm healthy ones. But it’s too soon to know if that’s true in people or what the right dose is.

What Is CLL?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. When you have it, some blood stem cells in your body don't grow properly and the resulting lymphocytes can't fight infection very well.

How CLL Spreads

This type of leukemia starts in bone marrow -- the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. From there, it moves into your blood. Over time, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body like the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

How Serious Is It?

The Rai staging system is usually what doctors in the U.S. use. It describes CLL based on the results of blood tests and a physical exam when you're diagnosed. Everyone with CLL will have more lymphocytes in their bone marrow and blood than there should be, for no good reason. And a large number of them will have come from the same cell.

Stage 0

The number of red blood cells and platelets are almost normal. Your lymph nodes, spleen, and liver are fine. You're at low risk and probably don't need treatment now.

Stage I

This stage is intermediate risk. The difference is that your lymph nodes are enlarged. These are part of your immune system. They help fight infections as well as filtering out dead and damaged cells, and they swell when they're working hard.

Stage II

Your spleen or liver is larger than normal. Your lymph nodes might be swollen, too, but not necessarily. This is also an intermediate risk stage, and you'll start treatment if your doctor thinks your symptoms or lymphocyte count are serious.

Stage III

The number of other blood cells are affected. At stage III, you don't have enough red blood cells (a condition called anemia), although your platelet count is near normal. Your lymph nodes, spleen, or liver might be enlarged, but they don't have to be. This is an advanced, high-risk stage, and you'll need treatment.

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