ALEMTUZUMAB

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lemtrada

GENERIC NAME(S): ALEMTUZUMAB

 

Description: Alemtuzumab is an antibody that results to lysis of leukimic cells.

Alemtuzumab is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL by stowing cancer cell growth.

It may also help in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis.

How to use alemtuzumab intravenous

Intravenous injection by a health care professional.

Other drugs will be prescribed by your doctor to help decrease the side effects and prevent infection in the body.

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.

Related Articles

ULTRAVIST

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]

ULTRAMOX

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]

ULTRALIV

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]