Alemtuzumab
Generic name: alemtuzumab [ AL-em-TOOZ-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Campath, Lemtrada
Dosage form: intravenous solution (10 mg/mL; 30 mg/mL)
Drug class:CD52 monoclonal antibodies
What is alemtuzumab?
Campath is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in adults.
Lemtrada is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including active secondary progressive disease), after at least two other medicines did not work or have stopped working.
Lemtrada will not cure MS, but it can make relapses occur less often. Lemtrada is not for use in treating clinically isolated syndrome.
Alemtuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Alemtuzumab can cause life-threatening side effects, including serious medical problems that may occur months to years after you receive alemtuzumab.
Call your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling in your legs or feet, decreased urination, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, a lump or swelling in your neck, a hoarse voice, trouble swallowing or breathing, sudden weakness on one side of your body, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to use alemtuzumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
an active infection; or
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
tuberculosis or other infections;
a thyroid disorder;
kidney disease;
bleeding problems, or if you receive blood transfusions; or
if you have received any vaccine in the past 6 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have never had chickenpox or if you have never received a varicella vaccine (Varivax). You may need to receive the vaccine and then wait 6 weeks before using Lemtrada.
Lemtrada may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as melanoma, thyroid cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Alemtuzumab may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving this medicine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Campath and for 4 months after your last dose of...
