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Obinutuzumab

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Obinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain cancers of the blood and immune system. It works by targeting the CD20 protein on the surface of B-cells, leading to their destruction through immune-mediated mechanisms. This drug is primarily prescribed for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma.

Quick summary

Obinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets and destroys B-cells to treat certain blood cancers.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy
BOXED WARNING

This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01FA03
RxNorm
974779
Generic
Obinutuzumab
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Gazyva
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (chronic lymphocytic leukemia)intravenous infusion
Usual dose
100mg on day 1, then 900mg on day 2, then 1000mg on day 8 and day 15 of cycle 1; subsequent cycles: 1000mg on day 1
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 28 days
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (not established)intravenous infusion
Usual dose
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
not applicable
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (chronic lymphocytic leukemia)intravenous infusion
Usual dose
100mg on day 1, then 900mg on day 2, then 1000mg on day 8 and day 15 of cycle 1; subsequent cycles: 1000mg on day 1
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 28 days
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose significantly exceeding the prescribed therapeutic dose (typically 1000-2000mg) that may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: Cumulative dosing exceeding recommended cycles or intervals may lead to increased risk of severe cytopenias, infusion-related reactions, and immunosuppression-related complications
Immediate actions
discontinue infusion immediately, monitor vital signs, provide supportive care including fluids and oxygen, manage infusion reactions according to protocol
Antidote
No specific antidote exists for obinutuzumab overdose(N/A - no specific antidote available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

overall
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid use during first trimester due to critical organ development period

Monitor

comprehensive fetal monitoring if exposure occurs

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

overall
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 6 months after last dose

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of infection or immunosuppression

⚠

geriatric

overall
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased susceptibility to infections and comorbidities

Monitor

close monitoring for infusion-related reactions and infections

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

pediatric_age

overall
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Monitor

no specific pediatric monitoring guidelines available

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no formal dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function during treatment

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

limited data for severe renal impairment use with caution

Monitor

close monitoring of renal function and for infusion reactions

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

no formal dose adjustment recommended for mild to moderate hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

hepatic_impairment

severe
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

insufficient data

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to limited data

Monitor

frequent monitoring of liver function and clinical status

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2013

Initial FDA approval date for Obinutuzumab (Gazyva)

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody

Therapeutic classification of Obinutuzumab

usageFDA
2023

Primary indications

Value:Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Follicular lymphoma

FDA-approved therapeutic uses

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:CD20 antigen binding, B-cell depletion

Pharmacological mechanism

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma). Often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents.

Binds to the CD20 antigen on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes, triggering cell destruction through immune effector cell recruitment and direct intracellular signaling pathways.

Requires infusion monitoring due to potential infusion-related reactions. May increase risk of infections due to B-cell depletion. Administered intravenously by healthcare professionals in clinical settings.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy