Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ALEMTUZUMAB (AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab)
This medicine is a monoclonal antibody used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including bone marrow depression; shingles or chickenpox; high blood pressure; heart disease; blood vessel problems; severe infection (eg, sepsis); a disease that affects the immune system (eg, HIV); allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled to have a dental procedure or a vaccination. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. You may be given fever reducers, antihistamines, or antibiotics before receiving this medicine. DO NOT USE this medicine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked to damaged. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Discard this medicine if the vial has been frozen. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT RECEIVE A LIVE VACCINE (eg, measles, mumps) while you are using this medicine. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine. MEN AND WOMEN should use effective birth control methods (eg, condoms) while receiving this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about effective birth control. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. DO NOT BECOME PREGNANT while you are using this medicine. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include anxiety; diarrhea; headache; loss of appetite; muscle pain; nausea; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; or vomiting. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; lightheadedness upon sitting or standing up; nausea; numbness of an arm or leg; pale skin; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); sudden severe headache, vomiting, or sweating; rigid muscles; shortness of breath or wheezing; sores or ulcers on the lips or mouth; swelling of the legs or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest tightness; cough; trouble breathing; inability to urinate; shortness of breath; or wheezing.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.
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