What is alemtuzumab?
Alemtuzumab (also called Campath®) is an anticancer medicine. It is a colorless liquid given into a vein (IV) during a long infusion (at least 2 hours but up to 6 hours). It may also be given into fatty areas just under the skin (called a subcutaneous injection).
Alemtuzumab can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient's body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient's vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see "Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards."
Possible late effects
- Low blood counts, which can increase the chance of getting an infection
- Mouth and lip sores
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Decreased appetite
- Sudden and severe pain in the upper stomach with nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Vision changes
- Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
- An allergic reaction, including itching, skin redness, severe chills, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, or pain in the chest, side, or back
Possible side effects
- Flu-like reaction, which may cause fever, severe chills, headache, shortness of breath, and dizziness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, itching
- Joint or muscle pain
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.
- Not all patients who take alemtuzumab will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- You may be asked to not take blood pressure medicines 24 hours before and after your infusion of alemtuzumab. Follow the doctor's instructions.
- The nurse will observe you closely during and after the infusion because some people have a severe reaction. Vital signs will be taken often.
- Tell your nurse how you are feeling during the infusion. Report shortness of breath, chills, dizziness, or muscle stiffening right away.
- You may be asked to take diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) before alemtuzumab to help prevent flu-like side effects.
- Staff will take blood samples regularly to check liver function and blood counts.
- It may be easier to get infections while receiving alemtuzumab. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
- This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use oral rinses as prescribed to keep your mouth clean.
- Alemtuzumab can cause nausea and vomiting. Take prescribed anti-nausea medicines as directed.
