ALEMTUZUMAB

Alemtuzumab can cause anemia, decrease your body’s ability to fight an infection, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily.

Signs of infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding, coughing up blood, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, dark urine must be reported.

Alemtuzumab poses a risk for developing certain types of cancer (such as thyroid, skin).

During the first week of treatment, fever, chills, dizziness, muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mild rash/itching, tiredness, flushing, or trouble breathing may occur.

Serious side effects, include: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), bone/joint/back pain, muscle pain/spasm, unusual weakness, swelling ankles/feet, yellowing skin/eyes, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs/injection site.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML) may occur in rare instances. clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), difficulty moving your muscles, problems with speech, seizure, vision changes are the symptoms.

Other serious side effects include: fainting, trouble breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: recent/current infections (such as tuberculosis), bleeding/blood problems, cancer, kidney problems, heart problems, immune system problems (e.g., HIV), thyroid problems.

Avoid activities that require alertness as this drug can make you drowsy; avoid immunizations/vaccinations and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

Pregnant women must consult their doctor first before using this medication.  Breast-feeding is not recommended during and for at least 3 to 4 months after treatment with this drug.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab).

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: This medication must not be stored at home.