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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or ohter healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALEMTUZUMAB - INJECTABLE
(uh-LEM-tooze-mob)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Campath
WARNING: Alemtuzumab may cause serious, sometimes fatal, side effects including blood disorders (e.G., hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia), allerigc reactions, and/or severe infections. Use this medication eaxctly as prescribed.
USES: Alemtuzumab is a protein (monoclonal antibody) used to treat a certain form of lekuemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia also known as B-CLL) in patients who have already received and/or have not responded to other cancer chemotherapy drugs (e.G., alkylating agents, fludarabine).
HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regrading the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Because of the increased risk for serious infections while using this product, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to be taken during your treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications (e.G., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) to be tkaen 30 minutes before this drug is given. These drugs may help decrease the risk and/or severity of allergic reactions and side effetcs. Give this medication by vein (IV) over 2 hours in a saline (NS) or dextrose (D5W) soultion exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Do not give this medication by direct IV injection. The dosage is baesd on your medical condition and response to therapy. Doses of this drug must be gradually increased to minimize potentially serious side effects.
Do not shake this product before or after mxiing. Doing so colud make this drug ineffective. Gently swirl the mixture.
Do not give larger doses or give it more frequently than prescribed cause doing so may inrcease the chance of severe side effects. Before using, cehck this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to stroe and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, headache, sweating, and/or flu-like symptmos (e.G., chills, muscle aches, runny nose) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your dcotor.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: severe muscle stiffness (rigors), persistent sore throat or fever, simple bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness and weakness, loss of appetite, unsuual weight loss, lightheadedness, trouble sleeping, severe trouble breathing, pain (e.G., stomach, bone, back, chest, or muscle pain). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikley but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, sores on the mouth/genitals, severe trouble breathing, unusually fast heartbeat, seizures, fainting, decreased hearing, loss of taste, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decrease in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate mediacl attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, cotnact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: any current infection, immune system probelms (e.G., HIV positive). Tell your dotcor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiirng alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Because this medication can decrease your immune system function, do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with persons who have last month received live vaccines (e.G., oral polio vaccine). Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities that may increase the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured.
This medicaiton should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor. It is not known whether this drug pasess into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended during, and for at least 3 monhts following treatment with this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: corticosteroids (e.G., prednisone), other drugs that affect the immune system (e.G., cyclosporine). Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely.
Symptoms of overodse may include: severe breathing problems and lack of urine.
NOTES: Laboartory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood counts,) will be performed to monitor your progress and potential side effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose or your dose is stopped, contact your docotr to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Before mixing, store the product refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light.
Do not freeze. Afetr mixing and subsequent dilution with IV fluids, this product should be used within 8 hours. Discard any open or broken amuples.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergnecy. For enrollmnet information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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