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alemtuzumab - injection, Campath

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GENERIC NAME: ALEMTUZUMAB - INJECTION (AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab)

BRAND NAME(S): Campath

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets). This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, dark urine.

This medication may also cause very serious (rarely fatal) infusion-related reactions. (See also Side Effects section.)

Your doctor will monitor you closely and increase your dose slowly to reduce the chances of these serious side effects.

USES: Alemtuzumab is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL) in patients who have not responded to other cancer chemotherapy drugs (e.g., fludarabine). This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Do not shake the vial before use. Follow all instructions for proper dilution with the correct IV fluid. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix alemtuzumab with other medications in the same solution or give together in the same IV line. If you have any questions about the preparation or use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.Dosage is based on your response to treatment. You will be started on a low dose of the medication, and your dose will be slowly increased. This medication is usually given over 2 hours. The manufacturer recommends that you receive no more than 30 milligrams in a single dose and no more than a total of 90 milligrams in a week.Before you receive this medication, your doctor will direct you to take other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor should also prescribe other medications (e.g., antibiotics, antiviral medications) to help prevent infection in your body. Use these additional medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.