 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
B-CLL is a type of blood cancer (leukemia) in which too many white blood cells (lymphocytes) collect in the bone marrow, blood, lymph tissues, and other organs of the body. The 2 main types of lymphocytes are B cells and (T cells). About 95% of CLL cases involve cancerous B cells. (The B-cell type of CLL is abbreviated B-CLL) Because these sick cells live longer than normal cells, they crowd out the healthy cells, causing infection and/or other symptoms. Campath targets these diseased blood cells for destruction.
This Web site was created to help answer questions about Campath and B-CLL. If you still have questions after reviewing the information on this Web site, be sure to discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Campath is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infusion reactions (fever, chills, hypotension, urticaria, nausea, rash, tachycardia, dyspnea), cytopenias (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), and infections (CMV viremia, CMV infection, other infections). In clinical trials, the frequency of infusion reactions was highest in the first week of treatment. Other commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia and anxiety. The most commonly reported serious adverse reactions are cytopenias, infusion reactions, and immunosuppression/infections. See "Warnings and Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.
Cytopenias: Serious, including fatal, pancytopenia/marrow hypoplasia, autoimmune idiopathic thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia can occur in patients receiving Campath. Single doses of Campath greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
Infusion Reactions: Campath administration can result in serious, including fatal, infusion reactions. Carefully monitor patients during infusions and withhold Campath for Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Gradually escalate Campath to the recommended dose at the initiation of therapy and after interruption of therapy for 7 or more days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)].
Infections: Serious, including fatal, bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections can occur in patients receiving Campath. Administer prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and herpes virus infections [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)].
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For important risk and use information, please see full Prescribing Information (PDF).
This site is intended for United States residents only. © 2009 Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved. Campath and Genzyme are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation.
