Alemtuzumab
Trade Name:
Campath-1H
Type of Drug:
Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to the general class of synthetic substances called biologic response modifiers. It is used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia that no longer responds to fludarabine therapy. It is also being studied in some lymphomas and other diseases.
How Drug Works:
A monocloncal antibody is a protein that fits like a lock and key with a protein on the cancer cell. Alemtuzumab (antibody) attaches to the CD 52 protein (antigen) found on both normal and cancerous B and T cell lymphocytes as well as other immune cells. This attachment results in cell death. The drug cannot distinguish between normal and cancer cells, so some normal cells are affected (see Side Effects).
How Drug Is Given:
Alemtuzumab is given into a vein over 2 hours. People can have infusion reactions, so you may be given medicine to prevent a reaction. The drug is given in a lower dose on the first treatment, and gradually the dose is increased over 3 to 7 days. You will get treatments 3 times a week on alternating days. You will then receive “maintenance” treatments, again 3 times a week for up to 12 weeks. If you have a break in treatment of 7 days or more, you will need to be started with a smaller dose again, and gradually the dose will be increased. The dose depends upon your size, whether other medicines are given with it, and your blood counts.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
While you are being treated with alemtuzumab and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor’s okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.
Allergic infusion reactions, such as fever and chills, may occur. Rarely, decreased blood pressure, swelling of the face, and coughing can occur. Tell your nurse right away if you get a fever or chills, hives, nausea, itching, headache, shortness of breath, or swollen tongue or throat during your treatment. Your nurse will stop your infusion and evaluate you.
Alemtuzumab can lower your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment to see how it affects your blood counts. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions if your blood counts are low.
Alemtuzumab can lower your white blood cell count, including lymphocytes, for an extended period of time. This will increase your chance of getting an infection. Your doctor will give you medicines to help protect you from bacterial and viral infections during treatment when your lymphocyte count is low. Report fever of 100.5°F or higher, or signs of infection such as pain in passing your urine, coughing, and bringing up sputum.
Alemtuzumab can cause a decrease in the platelet count, which can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding of gums when brushing your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of fatigue (or tiredness)
  • Infusion reactions with fever, shaking chills, decreased blood pressure, nausea
  • Rash
Less Common Side Effects
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Headache
  • Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling “blah”
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling of the feet
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Heartburn
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nosebleeds
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Muscle aches
  • Severe blood infection (sepsis)
  • Viral infections
  • Fungal infections
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Pneumonia
  • Sore throat
  • Spasm in the breathing tube (bronchus)
  • Sweating
  • Itching
  • Back pain
Rare Side Effects
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • Damage to the bone marrow, which can be fatal, so no blood cells are made
  • Heart damage or arrest
  • Coma
  • Hallucinations
  • Itchy or runny nose
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug
It is very important to take the medicine your doctor prescribes to prevent infection when your blood counts are down.

Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent allergic reactions before you receive the treatment.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.