Alemtuzumab, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: alemtuzumab, injection; Campath

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat a form of cancer called B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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

Do not have treatment with this medicine if:

• You have an active infection anywhere in your body.
• You are HIV positive.
• You are allergic to this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not become pregnant while receiving this medicine. Use effective birth control during this treatment and for 6 months after you stop treatment. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine and for 3 months after your last dose.

How should I use it?

The IV infusion is given over a 2-hour period. The length of this treatment will depend on how well you respond and how you tolerate this medicine. After the first daily doses, treatments are given 3 times a week for as long as determined by your health care provider. Be sure to keep all appointments for the infusions.

This medicine may affect your ability to fight infection. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics while you are receiving this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

During the infusion you may have low blood pressure (causing dizziness and lightheadedness), stiffening of your muscles, fever, shortness of breath, chills, or rash. Tell your health care provider how you are feeling during the infusions. Your health care provider can give you medicine to lessen or prevent these effects.

You will have regular blood tests to see how this medicine may be affecting you. Keep all appointments for tests.

Both women and men should use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment with this medicine is stopped.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your health care provider's approval first.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider immediately, get emergency medical care, or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Fever, chills, increased sweating, increased bruising or bleeding.

Other: Anemia (weakness, fatigue), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, bronchitis, loss of appetite, headache, rash, mouth sores.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.