uses
What is Campath used for?Campath (alemtuzumab) is used to treat a type of leukemia called B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or B-CLL. Campath may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Campath work (mechanism of action)?Campath is a medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It binds to certain cancer cells, which leads to their death.How is Campath supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesCampathDosage forms and strengthsCampath is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store Campath?Campath is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does Campath interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Campath and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Campath, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. Does Campath interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking ganciclovir, which is a medicine used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV).This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Campath. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Campath?The most common side effects of Campath are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Blood disorders (see below)Nausea and vomitingDiarrheaTrouble sleepingInfusion reactions (see below)Infections (see below) There may be other side effects of Campath that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Campath?While less common, the most serious side effects of Campath are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Campath may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painInfections. Campath can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Take any medicines that are prescribed to you to help prevent infections. Follow any instructions that your health care provider gives you to help prevent infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms even after you stop this medicine.Burning or stinging when you peeCough or coughing up bloodFever, sweats, chills, or muscle achesShortness of breathDiarrhea or stomach painWeight lossBlood Disorders. Campath can cause blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, lymphopenia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, and pancytopenia. Keep all appointments to check your blood tests, even after you stop using Campath. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.FeverShortness of breathPale or yellowish skinFrequent infectionUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeatUnusual bleeding or bruisingImmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Campath can lead to a serious problem with blood clotting, called ITP. ITP is when your immune system attacks the platelets in your blood, which causes low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) and a reduced ability of your blood to clot. ITP needs to be treated right away in the hospital or it can lead to death. Keep all appointments to check your blood tests, even after you stop using Campath. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms without another explanation.Purplish spots (purpura) on the skin or in the mouth due to bleeding under the skinEasy bruisingHeavier than normal periodsCoughing up bloodBleeding that is hard to stop, such as from cuts or in the mouth or noseInfusion Reactions. Campath can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.RashTrouble breathingSwelling in your mouth or throatWeakness or dizzinessA heart beat that seems fast, slow, or not regularChest painFever or chillsNausea or vomitingKidney Damage. Glomerulonephritis can happen when using Campath. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage even after you stop this medicine.Reduced need to peeBlood in your peeSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessA hard time catching your breath, chest pain/pressure, or coughing up bloodConfusionNauseaSeizures
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Campath?If you or someone else has used too much Campath, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Campath?Campath is usually given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Campath as scheduled.If you miss an appointment to get your Campath dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Campath?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Campath.AlemtuzumabCampathAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Campath.What should I know about Campath before using it?Campath is usually given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital.Your health care provider may prescribe medicines for you to take before you get doses of Campath or after your treatment is finished. It is important to take these as they are meant to lower your risk of having problems, such as a reaction related to the infusion or an infection. Campath may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.What should I tell my health care provider before using Campath?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Campath is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Campath. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Bleeding problemsKidney problemsRecent infectionOther Medicines and Supplements. Campath may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Campath, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Campath may cause harm to a fetus. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Campath and for three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Campath passes into breast milk. Do not use Campath while you are breastfeeding and for at least three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
about
Campath is used to treat a type of leukemia. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Call your health care provider right away if you get a fever, feel very weak or tired, or have any unusual bleeding or bruising. Campath is given as an infusion into your vein (IV) by your health care provider.