Campath

What isCampath?

Campath (Alemtuzumab) is a CD52-directed cytolytic antibody used for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Alemtuzumab Fab 1CE1

What are the uses of this medicine?

• Campath (Alemtuzumab) is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

How does this medicine work?

• Campath (Alemtuzumab) binds to CD52, an antigen present on the surface of B and T lymphocytes, a majority of monocytes, macrophages, NK cells, and a subpopulation of granulocytes.
• A proportion of bone marrow cells, including some CD34+ cells, express variable levels of CD52.
• The proposed mechanism of action is antibody-dependent cellular-mediated lysis following cell surface binding of Campath to the leukemic cells.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?

• This medicine have no usage limitations.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?

• No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with Campath.

Is this medicine FDA approved?

• Alemtuzumab was approved for medical use in the United States in 2001.

How should this medicine be used?

• Premedicate with oral antihistamine and acetaminophen.

Recommended dosage:

• Escalate to recommended dose of 30 mg/day three times per week for 12 weeks.

Administration:

• Administer as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours.
• Do not administer as intravenous push or bolus.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

• As Injection: 30 mg/1 mL single-dose vial

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

• CAMPATH

What side effects can this medication cause?

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

• cytopenias
• infusion-related reactions
• cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other infections
• nausea
• emesis
• diarrhea
• insomnia

What special precautions should I follow?

• Severe, including fatal, autoimmune anemia and thrombocytopenia, and prolonged myelosuppression have been reported in patients receiving Campath. Obtain complete blood counts (CBC) and platelet counts at weekly intervals during therapy and CD4 counts after therapy until recovery to ≥200 cells/µL. Withhold for severe [cytopenia]]. Discontinue for autoimmune or severe hematologic adverse reactions.
• Adverse reactions occurring during or shortly after Campath infusion include pyrexia, chills/rigors, nausea, hypotension, urticaria, dyspnea, rash, emesis, and bronchospasm. Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to each dose. Institute appropriate medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, meperidine) for infusion-related reactions as needed.
• CAMPATH treatment results in severe and prolonged lymphopenia with a concomitant increased incidence of opportunistic infections. If a serious infection occurs, withhold treatment until infection resolves.
• The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following Campath therapy has not been studied. Do not administer live viral vaccines to patients who have recently received Campath.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

Symptoms of overdosage may include:

• Bone marrow aplasia
• infections
• severe infusion-related reaction
• acute bronchospasm
• cough
• dyspnea followed by anuria and death

Management of overdosage:

• In the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.
• There is no known specific antidote for Campath overdosage.
• Discontinue Campath and provide supportive therapy.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• Based on findings from animal studies, CAMPATH may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
• Advise women of the potential risk to the fetus.
• Infants born to pregnant women treated with Campath may be at increased risk of infection.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?

Active Ingredient:

• ALEMTUZUMAB

Inactive Ingredients:

• SODIUM CHLORIDE
• SODIUM PHOSPHATE, DIBASIC, UNSPECIFIED FORM
• POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
• MONOBASIC POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE
• POLYSORBATE 80
• EDETATE DISODIUM

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?

Manufactured and distributed by:

• Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA
• CAMPATH is a registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store Campath at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Do not freeze.
• If accidentally frozen, thaw at 2°C to 8°C before administration.
• Protect from direct sunlight.

• Dailymed label info on Campath
• FDA Campath

Campath Resources
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