Drug
Alemtuzumab
Pronounced
"AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab"
Uses
Alemtuzumab is used to treat 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 relapses and may prevent or delay disability.
Warning
This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (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 easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes), easy bruising/bleeding, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
This medication may also cause very serious kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, or swelling ankles/feet.
Serious (rarely fatal) infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for 24 hours or more afterward. Your doctor will prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as headache, fever, chills, flushing, mild rash/itching, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, tiredness, or dizziness. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects.
This medication may also cause a stroke, or tears in the blood vessels in the head and neck, especially within the first 3 days after receiving treatment. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, drooping of the face, neck pain, sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, or confusion.
This medication may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as thyroid, skin, blood). Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, unusual/lasting hoarseness, unusual skin changes, change in appearance or size of moles.
Your doctor will monitor you closely to decrease the risk of these serious side effects.
To receive alemtuzumab in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
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 injection into a vein over at least 4 hours by a health care professional. It should be given over 2 treatment courses. The first treatment course is usually given daily for 5 days while the second treatment course is usually given daily for 3 days. The treatment courses should be separated by 12 months. Additional treatment courses of 3 days may be given if needed, but should be separated by at least 12 months from the previous treatment.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will direct you to take other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids, antiviral medication) to help prevent side effects and infection. Use these additional medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.