Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: alemtuzumab, injection; CamPath
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. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of infection such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, chills, or mouth sores before or after starting this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare 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.
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. You may be given medicine to help minimize side effects. You will be monitored by a healthcare provider while you are getting the infusion. Be sure to keep all appointments for the infusions.
This medicine may affect your ability to fight infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to fight infection while you are receiving this medicine. Take all medicines exactly as prescribed.
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 healthcare provider how you are feeling during the infusions. Your healthcare 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.
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 healthcare provider's approval first.
Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.
This medicine may make you dehydrated. Drink plenty of water while you are receiving this medicine.
Both women and men should use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment with this medicine is over.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
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 healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, chills, increased sweating, unexplained bruising or bleeding, fainting, swelling in your legs or arms, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, cough.
Other: Weakness, tiredness, white patches or sores in mouth or on lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, back pain, joint or muscle pain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare 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 healthcare 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.
