Lemtrada (Intravenous)
Generic name:alemtuzumab (intravenous route) [ al-em-TOOZ-oo-mab ]
Drug class:CD52 monoclonal antibodies
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 8, 2022.
Cytopenias, Infusion-related Reactions, and InfectionsSerious, including fatal, cytopenias, infusion-related reactions, and infections can occur.Limit doses to 30 mg (single) and 90 mg (cumulative weekly); higher doses increase risk of pancytopenia.Escalate dose gradually and monitor patients during infusion. Withhold therapy for Grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions.Administer prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and herpes virus infections .
Intravenous route(Solution)Autoimmunity, Infusion Reactions, Stroke, and MalignanciesAlemtuzumab causes serious, sometimes fatal, autoimmune conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Monitor complete blood counts with differential, serum creatinine levels, and urinalysis with urine cell counts before starting treatment and then at monthly intervals until 48 months after the last does of alemtuzumab.Alemtuzumab causes serious and life-threatening infusion reactions. Alemtuzumab must be administered in a setting with appropriate equipment and personnel to manage anaphylaxis or serious infusion reactions. Monitor patients for two hours after each infusion. Make patients aware that serious infusion reactions can also occur after the 2-hour monitoring period.Serious and life-threatening stroke (including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) has been reported within 3 days of alemtuzumab administration. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of stroke occur.Alemtuzumab may cause an increased risk of malignancies, including thyroid cancer, melanoma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Perform baseline and yearly skin exams.Because of the risk of autoimmunity, infusion reactions, and malignancies, alemtuzumab is available only through restricted distribution under a Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. Call 1-855-676-6326 to enroll in the alemtuzumab REMS program .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Campath
- Lemtrada
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for Lemtrada
Alemtuzumab injection is used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease. This medicine will not cure MS, but it may slow some of the disabling effects and decrease the number of relapses of the disease. It should only be used when 2 or more other medicines to treat MS did not work well.
This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called the Lemtrada® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program.
Before using Lemtrada
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
