Skip to main content

Campath Side Effects

Generic name: alemtuzumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 1, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Campath Side Effects associated with alemtuzumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Campath.

Applies to alemtuzumab: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Cytopenias, Infusion-related Reactions, and Infections. Serious, 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 Malignancies. Alemtuzumab 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.

Serious side effects of Campath

Along with its needed effects, alemtuzumab (the active ingredient contained in Campath) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alemtuzumab:

More common

  • black, tarry stools
  • blood in the urine
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • itching, hives, skin rash
  • nausea
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • sweating
  • swollen glands
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Less common

  • bloating or swelling of the face, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • chest pain
  • hoarseness
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle weakness
  • painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • pounding or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • rapid weight gain
  • red or purple spots on the skin, varying in size and remaining after pushing the skin surface
  • tremor
  • unexplained nosebleeds

Rare

  • bloody nose
  • flushing of the face or neck
  • swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
  • white patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the folds of the skin, including the genitals

Incidence not known

  • anxiety
  • back pain
  • blindness
  • blurred or double vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • confusion
  • dark urine
  • decreased urine output
  • decreased vision
  • difficulty in speaking
  • dilated neck veins
  • discouragement
  • double vision
  • drowsiness
  • extreme tiredness or weakness
  • eye pain
  • feeling of discomfort
  • feeling sad or empty
  • general feeling of tiredness and weakness
  • inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
  • inability to speak
  • irregular breathing
  • irritability
  • joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • lack of appetite
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • muscle aches or pain
  • nightmares or unusually vivid dreams
  • numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
  • painful or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • seizures
  • shakiness and unsteady walk
  • slow speech
  • spitting or coughing up blood
  • stiff neck
  • sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain and fullness
  • yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects of Campath

Some side effects of alemtuzumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • fear or nervousness

Less common

  • belching
  • bone pain
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • lack or loss of strength
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • swelling or inflammation of the mouth
  • weight loss

Rare

  • constipation
  • sensation of temperature change
  • sleepiness
  • stuffy nose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to alemtuzumab: intravenous solution.

Hematologic

Immunologic

viremia

Respiratory

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Cardiovascular

Musculoskeletal

Dermatologic

Endocrine

Hepatic

Metabolic

Oncologic

Genitourinary

Other

Renal

Ocular

Hypersensitivity

Local

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Campath (alemtuzumab)." Berlex Laboratories

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. Poynton CH, Mort D, Maughan TS (1993) "Adverse reactions to Campath-1H monoclonal antibody [letter; comment]." Lancet, 341, p. 1037

5. Rai KR, Freter CE, Mercier RJ, et al. (2002) "Alemtuzumab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients who also had received fludarabine." J Clin Oncol, 20, p. 3891-7

6. Ghobrial IM, Otteman LA, White WL (2003) "An EBV-positive lymphoproliferative disorder after therapy with alemtuzumab." N Engl J Med, 349, 2570-2; discussion 2570-2

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Campath side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.