Uses of Alemtuzumab Injection (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)
Alemtuzumab injection is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL; a slowly developing cancer in which too many of a certain type of white blood cell accumulate in the body). Alemtuzumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by activating the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Alemtuzumab is also available as an injection (Lemtrada) that is used to treat multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly; you may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). This monograph only gives information about alemtuzumab injection (Campath) for B-CLL. If you are receiving alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis, read the the monograph entitled Alemtuzumab Injection (Multiple Sclerosis).
Side Effects of Alemtuzumab Injection (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)
Alemtuzumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- mouth sores
- headache
- anxiety
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- muscle pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- drooping on one side of the face; sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; or difficulty speaking or understanding
- Alemtuzumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving alemtuzumab injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alemtuzumab injection or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you or your partner are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. You should not become pregnant during your treatment with this injection. If you are female, use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with alemtuzumab injection and for 6 months after the last dose of the treatment. If you are a male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment with this injection and continue for 6 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you or your partner becomes pregnant during your treatment with alemtuzumab injection, call your doctor immediately. Alemtuzumab may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- do not have any vaccinations during or shortly after your treatment with alemtuzumab injection without talking to your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving alemtuzumab injection.
Dosage
Alemtuzumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over at least 2 hours by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical office. At first, alemtuzumab injection is usually given in gradually increasing doses for 3 to 7 days to allow the body to adjust to the medication. Once the body has adjusted to the needed dose of alemtuzumab injection, the medication is usually given three times weekly on alternate days (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for up to 12 weeks.
The medications you receive before each dose of alemtuzumab injection might make you sleepy. You will probably want to ask a family member or friend to come with you when you receive your medication and to take you home afterward.
Although your condition may improve as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after you begin treatment with alemtuzumab injection, your treatment will probably last for 12 weeks. Your doctor will decide whether to continue your treatment and may adjust your dose depending on how well the medication works for you and on the side effects you experience.
Other
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about alemtuzumab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
