AlemtuzumabIV - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Alemtuzumab

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.
Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, platelets, CD4 count, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light.
Do not freeze.
Discard the medication if it has been frozen.The diluted medication may be stored at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) or in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light.
Each vial should be used only once.
Discard any unused portion.
After diluting, use or discard the medication within 8 hours.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing, change in the amount of urine.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.
Do not shake the vial before use.
Follow all instructions for proper dilution with the correct IV fluid.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Do not mix alemtuzumab with other medications in the same solution or give together in the same IV line.
If you have any questions about the preparation or use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.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.
The manufacturer recommends that you receive no more than 30 milligrams in a single dose and no more than a total of 90 milligrams in a week.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.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.Fever, chills, dizziness, muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mild rash/itching, or tiredness may occur during or after the infusion.
These reactions occur more often during the first week of treatment.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help control these symptoms.
Mouth sores, loss of appetite, shaking (tremor), stomach/abdominal pain, constipation, drowsiness, cough, increased sweating, or trouble sleeping may also occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Many people using this medication have serious side effects.
However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), bone pain, muscle pain/spasm, unusual weakness, swelling ankles/feet, yellowing skin/eyes, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs/injection site.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, trouble breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, irregular heartbeat, seizures, confusion, vision changes, weakness on one side of the body.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have ever had a severe reaction to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: any current infections, immune system problems (e.g., HIV).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, high blood pressure.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.
Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Since the effects of this medication on an unborn baby are unknown, it is recommended that both men and women receiving this medication use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) during treatment with this medication and for at least 6 months afterwards.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if your partner becomes pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended during treatment with this medication and for at least 3 months afterwards.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: blood pressure medications.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.