I Am Taking Campath
You and your doctor have selected Campath® (alemtuzumab) treatment. Campath belongs to a category of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
Campath is the first and only monoclonal antibody approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) who have already been treated with alkylating agents and who have failed fludarabine therapy.
The more you understand about B-CLL and Campath, the better you and your caregiver (the family member or friend who helps you) will be able to participate in the care provided by your doctor and medical team. This website is full of information to help you.
If you still have questions after reviewing the information on this website, be sure to discuss them with your doctor or nurse. In addition, you may speak with an oncology certified nurse by calling the free CamCare™ Support Line, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year: 1-800-473-5832.
Campath is indicated for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who have been treated with alkylating agents and who have failed fludarabine therapy. Determination of the effectiveness of Campath is based on overall response rates. Comparative, randomized trials demonstrating increased survival or clinical benefits such as improvement in disease-related symptoms have not yet been conducted.
Campath is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).
WARNING: CYTOPENIAS, INFUSION REACTIONS, and INFECTIONS
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)].
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.
Please see Full Prescribing Information (PDF).
