Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Systemic)Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Monograph)

Brand names: Campath, Lemtrada
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agents
ATC class: L01XC04
VA class: AN900
Chemical name: Disulfide with human-rat monoclonal CAMPATH-1H light chain, anti-(human CD52 (antigen)) (human-rat monoclonal CAMPATH-1H, γ1-chain), immunoglobulin G1 dimer
CAS number: 216503-57-0

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 19, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antineoplastic and immunomodulatory agent; recombinant DNA-derived humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody.

Uses for Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Systemic)Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic)

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

First-line therapy of B-CLL. Comparative efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab versus fludarabine as initial therapy for B-CLL not established.

Treatment of B-CLL in patients who have been treated with alkylating agents and who have not responded adequately to fludarabine therapy (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Has been used in combination with fludarabine^{† [off-label]} for the second-line treatment of relapsed or refractory B-CLL.

Multiple Sclerosis

Management of relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease.

Because of substantial risks associated with the drug (e.g., autoimmunity, infusion reactions, malignancy), generally reserved for patients with inadequate response to ≥2 MS drugs. (See Boxed Warning and also see Cautions.) Not recommended in patients with clinically isolated syndrome because of its safety profile.

Alemtuzumab is one of several disease-modifying therapies used in the management of relapsing forms of MS. Although not curative, these therapies have all been shown to modify several measures of disease activity, including relapse rates, new or enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions, and disability progression.

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recommends that disease-modifying therapy be offered to patients with relapsing forms of MS who have had recent relapses and/or MRI activity. Clinicians should consider adverse effects, tolerability, method of administration, safety, efficacy, and cost of the drugs in addition to patient preferences when selecting an appropriate therapy.

Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Systemic)Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) Dosage and Administration

General

Restricted Distribution Programs

CampathDistribution Program

• As of September 2012, alemtuzumab (Campath) is no longer commercially available in the US, but may be obtained through the Campath Distribution Program for patients who require continued access to the drug.

• Additional information available at 877-422-6728.

LemtradaREMS Program

• Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) is available only through a restricted distribution program called the Lemtrada REMS program.

• Additional information available at 855-676-6326 or [Web].

Premedication and Patient Monitoring

Patients with B-CLL

• To minimize risk of IV infusion-related reactions, administer diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50 mg and acetaminophen 500–1000 mg 30 minutes prior to first alemtuzumab infusion and when dosage is escalated. (See Infusion Reactions under Cautions.)

• Monitor patients carefully during or shortly after infusion for manifestations of infusion reactions (e.g., rigors, fever, bronchospasm, chills, nausea, vomiting, rash, urticaria, dyspnea, hypotension).

• To minimize risk of injection site reactions, administer an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to sub-Q^{† [off-label]} injections (e.g., 30 minutes before administration); in one study, premedication was gradually withdrawn following resolution of any injection-related reactions.

Patients with MS

• To minimize risk of IV infusion-related reactions, administer a high-dose corticosteroid (e.g., methylprednisolone 1 g or equivalent) immediately prior to alemtuzumab infusion for the first 3 days of each treatment course. (See Infusion Reactions under Cautions.) May also consider premedication with antihistamines and/or antipyretics.

• Monitor patients carefully for infusion reactions during and for ≥2 hours after each infusion. Consider longer periods of observation if clinically indicated. Monitor vital signs prior to and periodically during each infusion.

• Administer in a setting with appropriate personnel and equipment to manage serious infusion reactions.

• Measure urine protein-to-creatinine ratio prior to initiating therapy.

• Obtain CBC with differential, S_cr, and urinalysis with cell counts prior to initiating therapy and at monthly intervals thereafter.

• Perform thyroid function tests prior to initiating therapy and every 3 months thereafter.

• Determine serum aminotransferase and total bilirubin concentrations prior to initiating therapy and periodically thereafter.

• Screen for tuberculosis according to local guidelines.

Vaccinations

Patients with MS

• Complete any necessary immunizations ≥6 weeks prior to initiating therapy.

• Prior to alemtuzumab therapy, test patients without a history of varicella infection or vaccination for antibodies to varicella zoster virus; consider vaccination of antibody-negative patients and postpone alemtuzumab therapy until 6 weeks after vaccination.

Anti-infective Prophylaxis

Patients with B-CLL

• To minimize risk of serious opportunistic infections, give prophylactic anti-infectives upon initiation of alemtuzumab and continue for 2 months after completion of therapy or until CD4⁺ T-cell count ≥200/mm³ (whichever occurs later). (See Infectious Complications under Cautions.)

• Administer co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole 800 mg and trimethoprim 160 mg per dose) twice daily 3 times weekly (or equivalent) for prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia.

• Administer famciclovir 250 mg twice daily (or equivalent) for prophylaxis of herpes virus infection.

Patients with MS

• Initiate herpes prophylaxis on the first day of each alemtuzumab course and continue for at least 2 months after completion of the course or until CD4⁺ T-cell counts ≥200/mm³ (whichever occurs later).

Administration

Administer by IV infusion. For treatment of B-CLL, also has been administered by sub-Q injection^{† [off-label]}.

IV Administration

For solution compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.

Administer by IV infusion. Do not administer by rapid IV injection (e.g., IV push or bolus).

Do not mix with any other drug or administer any other drug simultaneously in the same IV line.

Vials are for single use only and do not contain a preservative.

Must be diluted prior to IV infusion.

Do not shake vial prior to use.

Use strict aseptic technique.

Campath

Use a 1 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.01 mL when preparing a 3-mg dose or a 10-mg dose; for a 30-mg dose, use a 1 or 3 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.1 mL.

To prepare a 3-mg dose, withdraw 0.1 mL of alemtuzumab concentrate from a vial containing 30 mg in 1 mL of drug, and add to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection.

To prepare a 10-mg dose, withdraw 0.33 mL of alemtuzumab concentrate from a vial containing 30 mg in 1 mL of drug, and add to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection.

To prepare a 30-mg dose, withdraw 1 mL of alemtuzumab concentrate from a vial containing 30 mg in 1 mL of drug, and add to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection.

Discard drug vial, including any unused portion, after withdrawal of dose.

Gently invert infusion bag to mix solution.

Lemtrada

Withdraw 1.2 mL of alemtuzumab concentrate from a vial containing 12 mg in 1.2 mL of drug, and add to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection.

Gently invert bag to mix solution.

Rate of Administration

Campath: Administer IV infusion over 2 hours for treatment of B-CLL.

Lemtrada: Administer IV infusion over 4 hours (or longer if clinically indicated) for treatment of MS.

Dosage

Adults

B-CLL

Gradual titration to the recommended maintenance dosage is required during initiation of therapy and after interruption of therapy for ≥7 days. In most patients, escalation to maintenance dosage can be accomplished in 3–7 days.

IV

Initially, 3 mg daily. When infusion-related toxicities are ≤grade 2, increase dosage to 10 mg daily. Continue at this dosage until infusion-related toxicities are ≤grade 2, and then increase to a maintenance dosage of 30 mg 3 times weekly on alternate days (i.e., Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Total duration of therapy, including initial dosage and dosage escalation, is 12 weeks.

Sub-Q† [off-label]

In some clinical trials, dose was escalated from an initial dosage of 3 mg daily to a maintenance dosage of 30 mg 3 times weekly. If local skin erythema or edema occurred, dosage escalation phase was prolonged to 1 or 2 weeks. (See Injection Site Reactions under Cautions.)

Some experts recommend that sub-Q therapy be given for at least 12 weeks. In a clinical trial in previously untreated patients, the drug was administered up to 18 weeks; in another clinical trial in previously treated patients, total duration of therapy was up to 12 weeks.

Dosage Modification for Toxicity and Contraindications to Continued Therapy

Withhold therapy during serious adverse reactions until resolution of toxicity. Discontinuance of therapy may be necessary.

Hematologic Toxicities

Adjust dosage and/or temporarily discontinue therapy if severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia) occur; permanently discontinue drug in patients with evidence of autoimmune hematologic toxicity (i.e., autoimmune anemia or thrombocytopenia).

No dosage modifications recommended for lymphopenia.

Infusion Reactions

Withhold therapy in patients experiencing grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions.

Infectious Complications

If serious infection occurs, temporarily discontinue therapy; may reinitiate therapy following resolution of infection.

Withhold therapy during antiviral therapy for CMV infection or confirmed CMV viremia (defined as positive for CMV according to PCR in ≥2 consecutive samples obtained ≥1 week apart) and initiate anti-infective therapy (ganciclovir or equivalent).

Multiple Sclerosis

IV

Dosage regimen consists of 2 treatment courses: Initial treatment course of 12 mg daily for 5 consecutive days (total dose of 60 mg), followed 12 months later by a second treatment course of 12 mg daily for 3 consecutive days (total dose of 36 mg).

If needed, may administer subsequent treatment courses of 12 mg daily on 3 consecutive days (total dose of 36 mg), at least 12 months after the last dose of any prior treatment courses.

Prescribing Limits

Adults

B-CLL

IV

Maximum 30 mg (as single dose) or 90 mg (as cumulative weekly dose); maximum 12 weeks total duration of therapy, including initial dosage and dosage escalation. (See Boxed Warning and see Hematologic Effects under Cautions.)

Special Populations

No special population dosage recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Systemic)Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic)

Contraindications

• Campath: None.

• Lemtrada: HIV infection.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Hematologic Effects

Risk of severe (sometimes fatal) cytopenias, including autoimmune anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and prolonged myelosuppression. (See Boxed Warning.)

Hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, bone marrow aplasia, and hypoplasia have occurred in patients receiving recommended dosages for B-CLL. Increased incidence of pancytopenia with higher than recommended dosages (i.e., single doses >30 mg or cumulative weekly doses >90 mg).

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia also reported in patients with MS; manifestations include weakness, chest pain, jaundice, dark urine, and tachycardia.

Severe, sometimes fatal, ITP reported in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab. In some cases, diagnosed more than 3 years after discontinuance of therapy. Manifestations include easy bruising, petechiae, spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeding (e.g., epistaxis, hemoptysis), and heavier than normal or irregular menstrual bleeding.

In patients with MS, obtain CBC with differential prior to initiation of therapy and monthly thereafter until 48 months after the last infusion. (See Therapy Monitoring under Cautions.) If a cytopenia is confirmed, promptly initiate appropriate treatment. If ITP suspected, obtain CBC immediately; if confirmed, promptly initiate appropriate treatment.

In patients with B-CLL, withhold therapy if severe cytopenia (except lymphopenia) occurs. (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.) Discontinue therapy permanently in patients who develop autoimmune hematologic toxicity (i.e., autoimmune anemia or thrombocytopenia) or recurrent or persistent severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia). Safety of reinitiating alemtuzumab in patients with autoimmune cytopenia or bone marrow aplasia not established.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis resulting in serious liver injury reported in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab during postmarketing experience.

Monitor serum transaminase (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin concentrations routinely (i.e., at baseline and periodically thereafter until 48 months after last dose).

If a patient develops any manifestations suggestive of hepatic dysfunction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, dark urine), promptly measure serum aminotransferase and total bilirubin concentrations; interrupt or discontinue therapy as necessary.

Glomerular Nephropathy

Autoimmune renal conditions, such as membranous glomerulonephritis and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, reported in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab. (See Boxed Warning.) In some cases, occurred up to 40 months after discontinuance of the drug. Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease can result in end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation. Clinical manifestations of nephropathy may include elevated S_cr, hematuria, proteinuria, and alveolar hemoptysis.

In patients with MS, measure urine protein-to-creatinine ratio prior to initiating therapy. In addition, perform S_cr and urinalysis with cell counts prior to initiation of therapy and monthly thereafter until at least 48 months after last infusion. (See Therapy Monitoring under Cautions.) If there is any evidence of nephropathy based on changes in urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, S_cr, or clinical symptoms (e.g., unexplained hematuria, proteinuria), further evaluate patient. Early detection and treatment may decrease risk of poor outcomes.

Thyroid Disorders

Autoimmune thyroid disorders (e.g., Graves' disease, Graves' ophthalmopathy, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, goiter) reported in approximately 37% of alemtuzumab-treated patients in MS clinical studies. In some cases, delayed onset (more than 7 years after initiation of therapy) observed.

In patients with MS, perform thyroid function tests prior to initiation of therapy and every 3 months thereafter until at least 48 months after completion of therapy. (See Therapy Monitoring under Cautions.)

Use in patients with preexisting thyroid disorders only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks.

Infusion Reactions

Risk of serious, sometimes fatal, infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, chest pain, bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, transient neurologic symptoms, hypertension, headache, pyrexia, and rash. (See Boxed Warning.) Other possible manifestations may include nausea, vomiting, rash, urticaria, pruritus, insomnia, chills, flushing, fatigue, dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, dizziness, rigors, fever, or pain. In some cases, infusion reactions occurred more than 24 hours after the drug was administered.

Administer appropriate premedications (e.g., corticosteroids, antihistamines, antipyretics).

In patients with B-CLL, monitor closely for infusion-related reactions during and shortly after infusion; withhold therapy if a grade 3 or 4 infusion reaction occurs. Initiate medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, meperidine) as clinically indicated.

In patients with MS, administer only in a setting with appropriate equipment and personnel to manage serious infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis. Monitor for infusion reactions during and for at least 2 hours after each infusion. (See Advice to Patients.)

Acute systemic injection-related reactions, including fever and chills/rigors, also reported with sub-Q^{† [off-label]} injection of alemtuzumab, but appear to be more common with IV infusion.

Cerebrovascular Events

Serious and life-threatening stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) reported within 3 days in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab during postmarketing experience. Most cases occurred within 1 day of receiving the drug. (See Boxed Warning.) Postmarketing cases of cervicocephalic (e.g., carotid, vertebral) arterial dissection also reported. (See Advice to Patients.)

Malignancy

Malignancies, including thyroid cancer, melanoma, lymphoproliferative disorders, and lymphoma (e.g., mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT] lymphoma, Castleman's disease, fatal non-Epstein-Barr virus-associated Burkitt lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorders) have occurred. (See Boxed Warning.)

Caution advised when initiating therapy in patients with history of or ongoing malignancy.

Monitor for symptoms of thyroid cancer and perform dermatologic evaluations. (See Advice to Patients.)

Infectious Complications

Risk of serious (sometimes fatal) opportunistic bacterial, viral, fungal, or protozoan infections resulting from severe and profound lymphopenia. Reported infections have included herpes infection, CMV infection, cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, tuberculosis, and Listeria meningitis.

In patients with B-CLL, administer prophylactic anti-infectives against Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) and herpes virus infections during alemtuzumab therapy and for at least 2 months after the last dose is administered. (See Anti-infective Prophylaxis under Dosage and Administration.)

In patients with MS, administer antiviral prophylaxis for herpes infection during and for at least 2 months after a course of alemtuzumab. (See Anti-infective Prophylaxis under Dosage and Administration.)

Monitor patients closely for CMV infection during and for at least 2 months following completion of therapy.

Screen for HPV annually in women.

Screen and treat (if necessary) patients for tuberculosis prior to alemtuzumab therapy.

Avoid or adequately heat foods that are potential sources of Listeria monocytogenes. (See Advice to Patients.)

Although no data available regarding specific risk with alemtuzumab, potential exists for reactivation of viral hepatitis; consider screening patients at high risk of HBV or HCV infection prior to initiation of alemtuzumab therapy and use caution in those identified as carriers of the viruses.

In patients with active infection, consider delay in alemtuzumab therapy until infection is controlled. If serious infection occurs, temporarily withhold therapy until infection resolves.

Other Warnings/Precautions

Therapy Monitoring

In patients with B-CLL, monitor CBCs and platelet counts weekly during therapy; more frequent monitoring may be required in patients with worsening anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. Following completion of alemtuzumab therapy, monitor CD4⁺ T-cell counts until levels return to ≥200/mm³. (See Boxed Warning.)

In patients with MS, obtain tests for CBCs with differential, S_cr, and urinalysis with cell counts prior to initiation of therapy and monthly thereafter until 48 months after the last dose is administered. After 48 months, perform such testing based on clinical findings suggestive of possible adverse effects of the drug. (See Boxed Warning.)

In patients with MS, obtain thyroid function tests (e.g., TSH concentrations) prior to initiation of therapy and every 3 months thereafter until 48 months after the last dose is administered. Continue thyroid testing after 48 months if clinically indicated. (See Thyroid Disorders under Cautions.)

In patients with MS, obtain baseline and annual dermatologic examinations to monitor for melanoma. (See Boxed Warning.)

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection of the brain caused by the JC virus, reported in at least 1 patient receiving alemtuzumab for MS. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk.

MRI signs may be apparent before clinical manifestations develop. MRI monitoring for signs consistent with PML may be helpful. Further investigation of any suspicious MRI findings may allow for an early diagnosis of PML. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML (see Advice to Patients), withhold alemtuzumab therapy and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis

Acute acalculous cholecystitis reported in MS patients receiving alemtuzumab. Onset of symptoms ranged from <24 hours to 2 months after administration of the drug. Cholecystectomy was required in some cases.

Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain or tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, leukocytosis, and liver enzyme abnormalities; promptly evaluate and treat to avoid substantial morbidity and mortality.

Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pneumonitis with fibrosis, reported in patients receiving alemtuzumab for MS. Manifestations include dyspnea, cough, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, and hemoptysis.

Other Alemtuzumab Preparations

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) for treatment of MS contains same active ingredient as alemtuzumab (Campath) for treatment of B-CLL; increased monitoring for additive, long-term effects may be necessary in patients currently receiving Lemtrada who have previously received Campath.

Suicidality

In clinical studies in patients with MS, attempted suicide or suicidal ideation reported in both alemtuzumab and interferon beta-1a treatment groups. Advise patients to report any symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation to their clinician.

Immunosuppression

Risk of severe and profound lymphopenia, which may increase the potential for transfusion-associated graft versus host disease. Administer only irradiated blood products unless immediate transfusion is required because of emergency.

Immunogenicity

Potential for immunogenicity with use of all therapeutic proteins including alemtuzumab. Development of antibodies (including neutralizing antibodies) to alemtuzumab reported.

Immunization

Avoid immunization with live virus vaccines in patients who have recently received alemtuzumab (safety not established). Complete any necessary immunizations ≥6 weeks prior to initiating therapy.

Injection Site Reactions

Risk of localized skin and injection site reactions (e.g., erythema, edema, pruritus, pain) with sub-Q^† administration in patients receiving the drug for B-CLL, especially during first 1–2 weeks of therapy; may occur more frequently in previously untreated patients.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

No adequate data in pregnant women; however, embryolethality demonstrated in animals. Contraceptive measures recommended. (See Advice to Patients.)

Alemtuzumab may induce autoimmune thyroid disorders, which can increase the risk of complications in pregnant women and developing fetuses. (See Thyroid Disorders under Cautions)

Placental transfer of anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies may occur in pregnant women who develop Graves' disease following alemtuzumab therapy; at least one case of neonatal Graves' disease with thyroid storm reported as a result of such placental transfer.

Pregnancy registry at 866-758-2990.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in animals; not known whether distributed into human milk; Effects of the drug on the nursing infant or on milk production not known. Consider known benefits of breast-feeding along with woman's clinical need for alemtuzumab and any potential adverse effects of the drug or disease on the infant.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established.

Use not recommended in pediatric patients because of potentially serious adverse effects associated with the drug (e.g., autoimmunity, infusion reactions, stroke, malignancies).

Geriatric Use

Insufficient experience in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults.

Hepatic Impairment

Pharmacokinetics not evaluated. Safety and efficacy not established.

Renal Impairment

Pharmacokinetics not evaluated. Safety and efficacy not established.

Common Adverse Effects

Patients with B-CLL: Infusion reactions (pyrexia, chills, hypotension, urticaria, nausea, rash, tachycardia, dyspnea), cytopenias (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), infections (e.g., CMV viremia, CMV infection, other infections), adverse GI effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), adverse neurologic effects (insomnia, anxiety).

Patients with MS: Rash, headache, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, nausea, urinary tract infection, fatigue, insomnia, upper respiratory tract infection, herpes virus infection, urticaria, pruritus, thyroid disorders, fungal infection, arthralgia, extremity pain, back pain, diarrhea, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, paresthesia, dizziness, abdominal pain, flushing, vomiting.

Drug Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies to date.

Vaccines

Do not administer live vaccines to patients who have recently received a course of alemtuzumab therapy.

Specific Drugs

Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) (Systemic)Alemtuzumab (Antineoplastic) Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

In patients with MS, serum concentrations of alemtuzumab increase with each consecutive dose within a treatment course.

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether alemtuzumab crosses the placenta; however, human IgG crosses the placenta.

Distributes into milk in animals; not known whether distributes into human milk.

Elimination

Elimination Route

Likely metabolized by proteolytic degradation to small peptides and amino acids.

Clearance decreases with repeated administration secondary to decreased receptor-mediated clearance (i.e., loss of CD52 receptors in periphery); AUC increases substantially (sevenfold) after 12 weeks of IV dosing in B-CLL patients receiving recommended dosages.

Half-life

Patients with B-CLL: Mean half-life is 11 hours (range: 2–32 hours) following the first 30-mg IV dose; mean half-life is 6 days (range: 1–14 days) following the last 30-mg IV dose.

Patients with MS: Half-life is approximately 2 weeks. Serum alemtuzumab concentrations generally undetectable within 30 days after each treatment course.

Stability

Storage

Parenteral

Injection Concentrate for IV Infusion (Campath)

2–8°C. Do not freeze; if accidentally frozen, thaw at 2–8°C before administration. Protect from direct sunlight.

Following dilution, may store at 15–30°C or under refrigeration (2–8°C); use within 8 hours. Protect from light.

Injection Concentrate for IV Infusion (Lemtrada)

2–8°C in original carton; protect from light. Do not freeze or shake.

Following dilution, may store at room temperature (15–25°C) or under refrigeration (2–8°C) for up to 8 hours; protect from light.

Compatibility

No incompatibilities observed between alemtuzumab solution and PVC bags, PVC or polyethylene-lined PVC administration sets.

Parenteral

Solution Compatibility

Actions

• An IgG₁ kappa immunoglobulin containing human framework (i.e., variable and constant regions) and murine complementarity-determining regions.

• Binds specifically to antigen CD52 (expressed on the surface of B and T cells; most monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells; and a subpopulation of granulocytes), triggering a host immune response causing lysis of normal and leukemic cells.

• Mechanism of cell lysis is thought to involve complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

• Although exact mechanism in MS not fully elucidated, the depletion and repopulation of B and T cells is thought to result in the drug's immunomodulatory effects.

Advice to Patients

• Importance of advising patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) to read the manufacturer's patient information (medication guide) prior to each treatment course.

• Advise patients that alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) is available only through a restricted distribution program called the Lemtrada REMS Program. Inform patients of the requirements of the program and provide them with information on how to locate a certified infusion site. Advise patients to read the Lemtrada REMS educational materials and to carry the Patient Safety Information Card with them in case of an emergency.

• Risk of hematologic toxicity. Importance of patients immediately informing clinician if signs or symptoms of cytopenias (bleeding, easy bruising, petechiae or purpura, pallor, weakness, or fatigue) occur.

• Risk of autoimmune diseases such as ITP and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Importance of patients immediately informing clinician if any manifestations of potential autoimmunity (e.g., bleeding, easy bruising, petechiae, purpura, hematuria, edema, jaundice, hemoptysis) occur. Importance of informing patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) for treatment of MS that monthly monitoring of blood cell counts and urine tests is required during and for at least 48 months after completion of therapy.

• Risk of infusion-related reactions. Importance of patients immediately informing clinician if any infusion-related reaction (e.g., swelling of the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, weakness, abnormal heart rate, chest pain, rash) occurs. Importance of informing patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) that they will need to be monitored at the healthcare facility (e.g., infusion center) for at least 2 hours after each infusion. Advise patients that infusion-related reactions may still occur after the 2-hour monitoring period.

• Risk of autoimmune hepatitis; instruct patients to immediately contact their clinician if they develop any signs or symptoms of possible hepatic dysfunction (e.g., unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding).

• Risk of stroke and cervicocephalic (e.g., carotid, vertebral) arterial dissection; educate patients on possible symptoms (e.g., neck pain, unilateral facial weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty, sudden severe headache) and to seek immediate medical attention if any such symptoms occur.

• Risk of malignancies such as thyroid cancer and melanoma. Advise patients to report any symptoms of thyroid cancer such as a new lump or swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, persistent hoarseness or other voice changes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or constant cough not due to upper respiratory tract infection. Importance of annual skin examinations in patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) to monitor for melanoma.

• Risk of infections. Importance of taking prophylactic anti-infectives as prescribed. Importance of advising patients to immediately contact their clinician if they develop any signs or symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, swollen glands). Importance of advising patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) to avoid or adequately heat foods that are potential sources of Listeria monocytogenes (e.g., deli meat, dairy products made with unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, undercooked meat, seafood, poultry) and to seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms of Listeria infection (e.g., fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, joint and muscle pain, neck stiffness, difficulty walking, mental status changes, coma, other neurologic changes) occur. Initiate Listeria precautions prior to beginning alemtuzumab therapy. The incubation period for L. monocytogenes ranges from 3 to 70 days; in most cases, signs and symptoms of invasive listeriosis start within one month of exposure to L. monocytogenes. Importance of advising female patients receiving alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) that annual HPV screening is recommended.

• Importance of informing patients that PML has occurred in a patient with MS receiving alemtuzumab and that the condition usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Importance of advising patients to inform their clinician if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML (e.g., progressive weakness on one side of body; clumsiness of limbs; vision disturbance; changes in thinking, memory, or orientation leading to confusion and personality changes).

• Risk of thyroid disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism). Importance of advising patients to inform their clinician if they experience any manifestations of a potential thyroid disorder (e.g., unexplained weight loss or gain, rapid heart rate or palpitations, eye swelling, constipation, feeling cold).

• Advise patients that irradiation of blood products is required in the event that transfusions are necessary.

• Importance of patients completing any necessary vaccinations at least 6 weeks prior to the start of alemtuzumab therapy and to consult with their clinician prior to receiving any vaccination after recent use of alemtuzumab. Advise patients that they should not be immunized with live viral vaccines if they have recently received alemtuzumab.

• Advise patients to report any symptoms suggestive of acute acalculous cholecystitis (e.g., abdominal pain or tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting).

• Risk of pneumonitis; advise patients to report any symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, or hemoptysis.

• Advise patients that alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) for the treatment of MS contains the same active ingredient as alemtuzumab (Campath) for the treatment of B-CLL; patients receiving Lemtrada should inform their clinician if they have previously received Campath.

• Risk of fetal harm. Importance of women informing their clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed. Advise women of childbearing potential of the need for effective contraception during and for 4 months after a course of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) treatment for MS. Advise patients of the existence of a pregnancy registry for Lemtrada. Advise women of childbearing potential and men receiving alemtuzumab (Campath) to use effective contraceptive methods during therapy and for at least 6 months following completion of therapy.

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses.

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Distribution of alemtuzumab is restricted. (See Restricted Distribution Programs under Dosage and Administration.)

Reload page with references included

Frequently asked questions

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