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Campath

Generic name: Alemtuzumab [ AL-em-TOOZ-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Campath and Lemtrada.
Drug class: CD52 monoclonal antibodies

What is Campath?

Campath helps treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in adults. Campath is used to treat relapsing types of MS for people aged 17 and over (including the active form of secondary progressive disease) in the event that at least two other medications fail or end their effectiveness. Lemtrada is not a cure for MS; however, it could help reduce the likelihood of relapses. Lemtrada is not indicated to treat clinically isolated syndromes. Campath could be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.

Side effects of Campath

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are suffering from symptoms of thrombotic purpura, which is characterized by purple spots on your lips, skin, and mouth, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), fatigue, discomfort, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, vision or speech changes, confusion, seizures, bloody spots in the urine, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea,

Campath could result in an infection that could lead to disabilities or even death. Consult your physician when you are experiencing issues with your speech, thoughts, vision, or movement. These signs can become more severe rapidly.

Certain side effects can be experienced during or shortly following the injection. Contact your physician if you are feeling unwell, cold, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or lightheaded. Also, if you notice an itchy rash, wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling of your throat or mouth, or slow, fast, or irregular heartbeats, Campath could trigger an immune system that attacks organs and cells inside your body. This could lead to severe medical issues that can develop months or years after receiving Campath or Lemtrada. Call your physician immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Abnormal bleeding or bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual cycles bleeding in your stool or urine, coughing up blood, issues with speaking and speech, weakening on the one hand, pain in your neck, an intense headache, or a drooping face;

  • A mole that has changed either in appearance or size; wheezing; chest pains; feeling tired; and coughing up blood.

  • An overactive immune system—fever, swelling of glands, itching, feeling shaky and less alert, trouble waking up, and having seizures;

  • Issues with the liver: loss of appetite, stomach discomfort (upper right side), and dark urine. jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);

  • Kidney issues: swelling around your legs; weight increase; weight loss; sudden discomfort in your stomach and back; or urine that appears brown or pink;

  • Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, sore throat, cough, blisters or sores on the skin, and Burning pain, as well as yellow or pale skin, burning or pain after you urinate, a feeling of lightheadedness, dark urine, and cold hands and feet;

  • Symptoms, warning signs tuberculosis—cough, night sweats, decreased appetite, weight loss, and feeling exhausted;

  • Symptoms of signs of symptoms of a stroke or tear in the artery—a sudden severe Headache or weakness on one side of your body, loss of muscle tone in your face, blurred speech;

  • Gallbladder issues: nausea, fever, stomach pain, and vomiting;

  • Symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis—personality or mood changes, hallucinations, agitation, confusion, short-term memory loss, movement disorders;

  • Symptoms of adult-onset symptoms of Still's disease—high fever and stiffness, swelling of various joints, rash;

  • Thyroid issues: sweating or feeling cold; rapid heartbeats; being tired or nervous; eye swelling; weight loss or gain; constipation; or

  • Signs and symptoms of thyroid symptoms of thyroid

    cancer: swelling or lump on the neck or throat. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include trouble swallowing, hoarseness in your voice, or a new cough (not due to the common cold).

     

Common adverse effects of Campath can includes

  • Reaction to injection reactions to the injection: rash, itching, hives, tingling;

  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;

  • Infections (fever, chills, fever, congestion, runny nose, throat, or mouth pains, and painful urine);

  • Chest tightness or pain, and coughing up blood.

  • Dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping;

  • Migraine, joint pain, back pain, or discomfort in your arms or legs; pain in your legs or arms;

  • Thyroid issues or flushing (sudden redness, warmth, or tingling sensation).

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Campath may result in life-threatening adverse consequences, including serious medical problems that can be present for months or years following the treatment. Campath.

Before you start taking this medicine

It is possible that you will not be able to take Campath if you're allergic to it or if you suffer from an active infection, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Inform your doctor if you ever had:

  • Tuberculosis, or other infections;

  • A thyroid disorder

  • Kidney disease;

  • Bleeding issues, or if you have blood transfusions, or

  • If you've had any vaccines within the past six weeks.

Consult your physician if you have never experienced chickenpox or have not received a varicella vaccination (Varivax). You might need to get the vaccine and wait 6 weeks before using Lemtrada. Lemtrada could increase your chance of developing other kinds of cancer, like melanoma, thyroid cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia. Consult your physician about the possibility.

It is possible that you will need to undergo an unconfirmed pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment. Campath can affect a baby who is not yet born. Use effective birth control to stop pregnancy when taking this medicine and at least for 3 months following your previous dose of Campath and for at least 4 months after the most recent dose of Lemtrada. Tell your doctor in the event that you fall pregnant. If you have used Campath while pregnant, be sure that the doctor who is caring for your newborn knows that you used the medication during your pregnancy. Being exposed to Campath during pregnancy can alter the schedule of vaccinations for your baby.

Campath can alter fertility (ability to have kids) for both males and females. Women should, however, utilise birth control to avoid pregnancy since this medication can cause harm to a baby who is not born. It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking Campath. Do not use breast milk while taking Campath or for at least three months following the last dose.

How to take Campath?

Campath is injected as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection. You will be monitored closely for 2 hours or more after the injection to ensure that you don't suffer any serious reactions. Campath is typically given three times per week over 12 weeks. Lemtrada is usually administered in two or more sessions, separated by one year. Your physician will determine how long you'll be treated and how many courses you'll require. Campath should be administered slowly. The Campath infusion may take up to 2 hours to finish. The Lemtrada infusion could take up to 4 hours to finish.

You might be prescribed other medicines to treat certain infections or side effects. Make sure to take these medicines for the prescribed duration. Campath impacts your immune system. It can increase the frequency of infections and even be fatal. You'll need regular medical tests, and your next dose might be delayed depending on the results.

You must undergo an annual human papillomavirus (HPV) screening if you are female. Campath could have long-lasting effects on the body. There is a possibility that you'll require medical tests up to 2 months after stopping using Campath or 4 years after stopping using Lemtrada.

What happens If I miss the dose?

Consult your physician for further instructions. If you do not make an appointment with your Campath.

What happens If I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not get a "live" vaccine while using Campath. The vaccine may not function in the same way, or you may get a serious infection. Measles is a live virus that includes rubella, mumps (MMR), and rotavirus. yellow fever, typhoid varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal influenza (influenza) vaccination.

When using Lemtrada, beware of foods that might be a cause of Listeria infections or heat them to a high temperature prior to consuming. This includes deli meats and seafood, meat that is not cooked properly, poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, and soft cheeses.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including those that weaken your immune system, like cancer medicines, or drugs to avoid organ donation rejection.

Other medications can impact Campath, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.