Overview
Gazyva is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. Gazyva is also known by its drug name, obinutuzumab.

Gazyva is a type of monoclonal antibody that targets CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells called B cells. Scientists believe Gazyva works by helping the immune system destroy these B cells, which may reduce the autoimmune activity that damages the kidneys in lupus nephritis.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Gazyva is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The recommended dosing schedule for lupus nephritis starts with the initial infusion, with an additional infusion at Week 2, then at Weeks 24 and 26, and then every six months afterward. The drug should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Gazyva include upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, infusion-related reactions, and neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cell).

Rare but serious side effects may include hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a rare and serious brain infection), severe infusion-related reactions, serum sickness (a delayed allergic response), tumor lysis syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the rapid breakdown of tumor cells), serious infections, thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (a condition affecting the blood’s ability to clot). Gazyva can also cause fetal harm, so effective contraception is advised during treatment.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Gazyva (Obinutuzumab) Injection, for Intravenous Use — Genentech