Alemtuzumab injection

What is this medicine?

ALEMTUZUMAB (AL em TOOZ oo mab) is a monoclonal antibody. Campath is used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Lemtrada is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

How should I use this medicine?

The medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You may receive acetaminophen (Tylenol), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or corticosteroids before your infusion to help decrease side effects related to the medicine. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics to help prevent infections.

A special MedGuide will be given to you if you are receiving this medicine for multiple sclerosis. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• confusion

• dizziness

• loss of memory

• palpitations

• problems with balance, talking, or walking

• red or dark brown urine

• signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of meningitis such as stiff neck; sensitivity to light; headache; drowsiness; fever; nausea; vomiting; rash

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• fatigue

• mild headache

• nausea

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any active infection

• cold sores

• dental disease

• heart disease

• history of a stroke

• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS

• immune system problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alemtuzumab, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks. The side effects of the medicine can continue after you finish your treatment. Promptly report any side effects.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

In some patients, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your healthcare professional right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare professional, urgently seek another source of medical care.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 4 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 3 months after the last dose.

This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. Talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.