Drug Details
Drug Name(s) CAMPATH
FDA Application No. (BLA) 103948
Active Ingredient(s) ALEMTUZUMAB
Company GENZYME
Original Approval or
Tentative Approval Date May 7, 2001
Drug Name(s) CAMPATH
FDA Application No. (BLA) 103948
Active Ingredient(s) ALEMTUZUMAB
Company GENZYME
Original Approval or
Tentative Approval Date May 7, 2001
Uses
Alemtuzumab is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL). This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Alemtuzumab is also used to treat a certain type of multiple sclerosis (relapsing multiple sclerosis-MS). It is not a cure for MS but it is thought to help by preventing immune system cells (lymphocytes) from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of worsening and may prevent or delay disability.
How to use Campath intravenous?Read the Medication Guide, Patient Safety Information Card, and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using alemtuzumab and each time you receive treatment with this drug. Carry the Patient Safety Information Card with you at all times. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage and treatment schedule is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using this medication to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, your doctor will increase your dose slowly to decrease the risk of side effects.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will direct you to take other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor should also prescribe other medications (such as antibiotics, antiviral medications) to help prevent infection in your body. Use these additional medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Alemtuzumab is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL). This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Alemtuzumab is also used to treat a certain type of multiple sclerosis (relapsing multiple sclerosis-MS). It is not a cure for MS but it is thought to help by preventing immune system cells (lymphocytes) from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of worsening and may prevent or delay disability.
How to use Campath intravenous?Read the Medication Guide, Patient Safety Information Card, and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using alemtuzumab and each time you receive treatment with this drug. Carry the Patient Safety Information Card with you at all times. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage and treatment schedule is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using this medication to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, your doctor will increase your dose slowly to decrease the risk of side effects.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will direct you to take other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor should also prescribe other medications (such as antibiotics, antiviral medications) to help prevent infection in your body. Use these additional medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Fever, chills, dizziness, muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mild rash/itching, tiredness, flushing, or trouble breathing may occur during or after the infusion. These reactions occur more often during the first week of treatment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help control these symptoms. Mouth sores, loss of appetite, shaking (tremor), stomach/abdominal pain,constipation, drowsiness, cough, increased sweating, or trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), bone/joint/back pain, muscle pain/spasm, unusual weakness, swelling ankles/feet, yellowing skin/eyes, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs/injection site.
This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multi focal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), difficulty moving your muscles, problems with speech, seizure, vision changes.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, trouble breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Fever, chills, dizziness, muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mild rash/itching, tiredness, flushing, or trouble breathing may occur during or after the infusion. These reactions occur more often during the first week of treatment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help control these symptoms. Mouth sores, loss of appetite, shaking (tremor), stomach/abdominal pain,constipation, drowsiness, cough, increased sweating, or trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), bone/joint/back pain, muscle pain/spasm, unusual weakness, swelling ankles/feet, yellowing skin/eyes, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs/injection site.
This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multi focal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), difficulty moving your muscles, problems with speech, seizure, vision changes.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, trouble breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have ever had a severe reaction to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent/current infections (such as tuberculosis), bleeding/blood problems, cancer, kidney problems, heart problems, immune system problems (e.g., HIV), thyroid problems.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Before receiving a blood transfusion, tell your doctor that you are using this medication.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Women of child-bearing age should use reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) during and after treatment with this medication. Talk with your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 3 to 4 months after treatment with this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have ever had a severe reaction to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent/current infections (such as tuberculosis), bleeding/blood problems, cancer, kidney problems, heart problems, immune system problems (e.g., HIV), thyroid problems.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Before receiving a blood transfusion, tell your doctor that you are using this medication.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Women of child-bearing age should use reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) during and after treatment with this medication. Talk with your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 3 to 4 months after treatment with this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.