B-cell therapy · Biologic
Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
How this therapy is used at Arthritis Care of Texas in Corpus Christi, TX — what it treats, how it is given, and how often.
- Treats
- Lupus nephritis (lupus affecting the kidneys)
- How given
- IV infusion in our office
- How often
- A series of infusions, then every 6 months
Gazyva is a damage-protecting treatment: it removes the B cells making the antibodies that attack the kidneys, aiming to stop lupus nephritis and prevent permanent kidney scarring. Benefit is measured over months — urine protein falling, kidney function steadying, steroid doses coming down — not by how you feel week to week.
What it is
Gazyva (obinutuzumab) is a biologic medicine that removes B cells — a type of white blood cell that makes the antibodies attacking the kidneys in lupus nephritis. It was first used to treat certain blood cancers and was approved in 2025 for adults with active lupus nephritis, given together with standard lupus therapy (usually mycophenolate and steroids). By reducing the B cells driving the attack, it helps quiet kidney inflammation and reduce the protein leaking into the urine — protecting long-term kidney function, which is the central goal in lupus nephritis.
Before starting
Before starting, we screen for hepatitis B. This check matters because removing B cells can allow a hidden hepatitis B infection to reactivate; if you have had hepatitis B in the past, preventive antiviral medicine can be given alongside so treatment stays safe. We also check your blood counts and immunoglobulin (antibody) levels, because B-cell removal lowers antibody levels over time and those numbers guide how we monitor you. Vaccinations work best before B cells are removed, so we review your vaccine status first; live vaccines are avoided during treatment. Gazyva is not started during an active infection, and it is not used in pregnancy.
How it’s given
It is given as an IV infusion — medicine dripped slowly into a vein — in our infusion suite. A series of infusions is given at the start of treatment (two doses close together), followed by one infusion every 6 months. Medicine is given before each infusion to help prevent infusion reactions, and the first infusions run more slowly while the team watches how you respond; later ones are usually quicker and easier. Plan for a longer visit on infusion days, especially the first ones.
What to expect
Benefit is measured mainly in your labs: urine protein falling and kidney function stabilising over the months after treatment, alongside fewer lupus symptoms and a lower steroid dose. Infusion reactions — fever, chills, flushing, headache, or nausea during or shortly after the drip — are the most common side effect, especially with the first dose; the pre-medicines and slower rate help keep these mild, and the team is with you throughout. Because B cells are part of infection defence, infections may be more likely — call promptly for fever, a cough that will not settle, or any infection that is not improving.
Everyday guidance
Between infusions there is nothing to take at home for this medicine, but your other lupus medicines continue unless your provider changes them. Keep lab appointments even when you feel well — with kidney lupus, the blood and urine tests are how we see the disease, since damage does not hurt until late. Tell every clinician treating you that you have received B-cell therapy, because it affects vaccine responses for months after each dose. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss timing with your provider well ahead. Questions: call (361) 400-7700.
Used for
Common worries
I read this is a cancer drug. Why am I getting it?
Gazyva was first approved for certain blood cancers because it removes B cells. In lupus nephritis, B cells are the problem too — they make the antibodies injuring the kidneys. Same tool, different target problem; the doses and schedule here are the lupus ones.
What are infusion days like?
The first infusions are the longest — you receive pre-medicines, the drip runs slowly, and the team watches you closely. Reactions like fever or chills are most likely early and usually ease with later infusions, which tend to be quicker.
Will removing B cells leave me defenceless?
B cells are lowered, not erased forever — they recover over the months after each dose. We monitor your antibody levels and watch for infections, and vaccines are best given before treatment starts.
Wondering whether Gazyva is right for you?
Call (361) 400-7700 to schedule a visit, or send an appointment request and we will call you to confirm.
Request an Appointment