Indication of MabCampath:
MabCampath is a drug used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a slowly progressing cancerous disease of the white blood cells.
Action of MabCampath:
MabCampath contains the active ingredient alemtuzumab. Alemtuzumab is a type of drug known as an antibody. The human body naturally produces thousands of different types of antibodies, which help to fight off infections and other foreign material in the bloodstream. Alemtuzumab is a special type of antibody, designed specifically to kill white blood cells in the body called lymphocytes that may have become cancerous in patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Dose Advice of MabCampath:
MabCampath is available only on prescription through your doctor.Always tell your doctors that you are being treated with MabCampath before being prescribed other medication or purchasing over the counter medicines.MabCampath should not be used in patients with certain medical conditions or allergies to certain medications - be sure to tell your doctor if you suffer from any before being prescribed MabCampath. MabCampath should not be used in patients who are pregnant (ADEC category B2) or breastfeeding - always tell your doctor you are pregnant or breast-feeding before undergoing treatment with MabCampath.Males and females undergoing treatment with MabCampath should ensure effective contraceptive measures are taken during and for 6 months following treatment with MabCampathReport signs of infection to your doctor immediately (including signs and symptoms of fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, and fatigue). Avoid people with infections while undergoing treatment with MabCampath.
Schedule of MabCampath:
Schedule 4
Common side effects of MabCampath:
All medicines may cause side effects. Your doctor has weighed out the risks against the benefits of you taking MabCampath. Consult your doctor if you experience or are concerned about any of the below side effects. The following side effects may occur in 10% or more of patients undergoing treatment with MabCampath: Fever and chillsFatigueShortness of breathNausea, vomiting and diarrhoeaSkin rashesLow blood pressureHeadacheInfections such as pneumoniaDisorders of the blood
Uncommon side effects of MabCampath:
The following side effects may occur in less than 10% of patients undergoing treatment with MabCampath: Injection site reactionsSwellingFlushingHeart rhythm abnormalitiesTaste disturbancesConfusion, anxiety, depression, insomniaAllergic reactions
Reference:
Electronic Australian Prescription Products Guide. Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company, 2007. [Cited January 6, 2008]MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003 [Cited January 6, 2008] http: //www.mims.com.auLazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L et al. Goodman & Gilmans The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed New York: McGraw-Hill; 2006.
