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Lymphoma

Gazyva®

(obinutuzumab)

Pronounced Gaz-zie-vah

Gazyva, also known as obinutuzumab, is a prescription medicine used to treat the following: 

How Gazyva works

Gazyva is a type of treatment called monoclonal antibody therapy, and it works differently to other forms of cancer medicine you may know about.

Antibodies are proteins produced naturally in the body, which specifically recognise and bind to other unique proteins in the body called antigens. Researchers have learned how to engineer and produce antibodies that target specific antigens found on cancer cells. These are known as monoclonal antibodies, and they mimic natural antibodies.

Gazyva has been designed to target and attach to the CD20 protein (antigen) found on the surface of mature B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Once attached to the CD20 protein, Gazyva works in two different ways:

1. By helping your own immune system destroy the cancer cells

2. By destroying the cancer cells on its own.

Possible side effects of Gazyva

All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a full list of possible side effects in the Gazyva Consumer Medicine Information by clicking here.

Side effects can happen during or after you receive an infusion of Gazyva. Some infusion reactions can be serious and life threatening.

Always talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Clinical trial data

The safety and efficacy of Gazyva for the treatment of CLL, FL and iNHL has been proven in clinical trials.

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and the response and benefit you may experience cannot be predicted. Ask your doctor about the clinical evidence for Gazyva and if it is right for you.

How to access Gazyva

Gazyva is funded for CLL and for some patients with relapsed/refractory iNHL who meet pre-defined criteria.

Gazyva is an unfunded medicine for first line iNHL. This means you will need to pay for this privately.

Ready to take the next step?

Making decisions about treatment options involves working through the advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide what may work best for you and your loved ones.

Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your medical team to find out if Gazyva is right for you.

Talking to your doctor about Gazyva

We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor about Gazyva. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.

Download
For further information about private treatment providers click here.

You can also talk to your current doctor about referral to a private doctor or treatment center.

To learn more about how medicines become available in New Zealand, click here.

Handy resources

Gazyva Consumer Medicine Information
DOWNLOAD
Discussion guide
DOWNLOAD

Gazyva® (obinutuzumab), 1000 mg in 40 mL concentrate for solution for intravenous (IV) infusion, is a Prescription Medicine used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and indolent (slow-growing) non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (iNHL) in untreated patients and in those who have stopped responding to rituximab.  

Gazyva has risks and benefits.

Possible common side effects include: frequent infections with fever, severe chills, respiratory infections including pneumonia, shingles, mouth ulcers or urinary infections; sore  throat, mouth ulcers or urinary infections; stuffy nose or chest; joint, bone or muscle pain; back pain or pain in arms or legs; headache; diarrhoea, constipation or haemorrhoids; urinary incontinence or pain; increased weight; persistent cough; hair loss; night sweats; feeling depressed or anxious; itchy skin; red eye; sleeplessness and/or feeling tired. 

Do not use Gazyva if: you have had an allergic reaction to Gazyva or any of the ingredients, or you have had an allergic reaction to any other proteins that are of mouse origin. 

Tell your doctor if: you have an infection, or a history of recurring/long-term infections; you  are taking medicines that suppress your immune system; you have a history of heart  disease, irregular heartbeat, chest pain (angina), heart failure or a recent heart attack; you  are taking medicine to prevent blood clots; you are taking medicine to control blood  pressure; you have pre-existing lung, kidney or liver disease; you intend to have or have had  immunisation with any vaccine; you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, preservatives  or dyes; you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become or breastfeed. 

Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you notice any of the following: swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty  breathing; swelling of other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; rash, itching or hives on the skin; feeling sick (nausea); abnormal bleeding from any part of the body, abnormal bruising, blood clots; dizziness or light-headedness; fever, chills; feeling tired;  headache; chest pain or abnormal or irregular heartbeat.

Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional. For more information about Gazyva  talk to your health professional; or visit medsafe.govt.nz for Gazyva Consumer Medicine Information; or call Roche on 0800 276 243.

Gazyva is a funded medicine for patients who meet defined criteria.  Funding includes patients with first line chronic lymphocytic leukemia and some patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  A prescription charge and doctor’s fees apply.

Gazyva is an unfunded medicine for first line indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ask your health professional about the cost of the medicine and other fees that may apply.

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