Campath (Alemtuzumab) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Campath

Leukemia »

Leukemia facts

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
Tre...

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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ALEMTUZUMAB - INJECTION

(AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Campath

WARNING: This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to 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 your body to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, dark urine.

This medication may also cause very serious (rarely fatal) infusion-related reactions. (See also Side Effects section.)

Your doctor will monitor you closely and increase your dose slowly to reduce the chances of these serious side effects.

USES: Alemtuzumab is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL) in patients who have not responded to other cancer chemotherapy drugs (e.g., fludarabine). This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your response to treatment. You will be started on a low dose of the medication, and your dose will be slowly increased. This medication is usually given over 2 hours.

Before you receive this medication, your doctor will direct you to take other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor should also prescribe other medications (e.g., antibiotics, antiviral medications) to help prevent infection in your body. Use these additional medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.