Mabcampath (Alemtuzumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mabcampath Used For?
Mabcampath is a specialized cancer treatment that targets specific abnormal cells in your blood.
Primary Uses
Mabcampath is used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL), which is a type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes. In B-CLL, too many abnormal lymphocytes crowd out healthy blood cells in your bone marrow, bloodstream, and organs.
How It Works
Mabcampath is a monoclonal antibody that specifically finds and attaches to a unique protein on the surface of abnormal lymphocytes. This helps your immune system recognize and destroy these cancer cells.
How to Take Mabcampath
Mabcampath is given as an intravenous infusion directly into your bloodstream under medical supervision.
Dosage Instructions
During the first week: 3 mg on Day 1, then 10 mg on Day 2, and 30 mg on Day 3. After that, you’ll receive 30 mg doses three times per week on alternate days. Each infusion takes about 2 hours. Your doctor may repeat smaller doses if you experience side effects, gradually increasing the amount to help your body adjust. Treatment may continue for up to 12 weeks depending on your progress.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Mabcampath is given in a medical facility, your healthcare team will manage your treatment schedule. Contact your doctor if you need to reschedule an appointment.
Important: Never attempt to adjust your dose on your own. Your doctor will carefully monitor you and decide the right amount throughout your treatment.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Tiredness and headaches
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Fainting and dizziness
- Tremor, pins and needles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and aching muscles
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Anxiety, confusion, depression
- Difficulty breathing, coughing
- Rash and excessive sweating
- Flu-like symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- Black sticky bowel movements or bloody diarrhea
- Unusually swollen glands in neck, armpit, or groin
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
- Signs of heart attack (chest pain, arm pain, sweating)
- Signs of stroke (facial drooping, weakness, speech difficulties)
- Signs of tumor lysis syndrome (rib pain, little urine, drowsiness)
- Signs of blood cell disorder (fever, swollen glands, bruising)
- Severe headache with vision or speech problems
- Extreme difficulty breathing or chest pains
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Mabcampath treatment.
Who Should Not Take Mabcampath
Do not use Mabcampath if you are allergic to alemtuzumab, murine proteins, or any ingredients in the medication. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you can safely use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: an active infection spread throughout your body, HIV, an active secondary cancer, or heart disease or heart conditions. Your doctor will monitor you carefully as Mabcampath may worsen these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not receive Mabcampath if you are pregnant, as it may harm your developing baby. Use reliable birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. If you become pregnant while receiving this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed during treatment or for at least 4 weeks after finishing treatment.
Immune System Suppression: Mabcampath suppresses your immune system, affecting your body’s ability to fight infections for up to 6 months after treatment. You may need antibiotics or antivirals for extra protection.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Mabcampath and affect how it works.
- Anti-cancer medicines – not recommended within 3 weeks of other chemotherapy
- Live viral vaccines – not recommended for at least 12 months after Mabcampath therapy
Alcohol & Driving
Mabcampath can affect your ability to drive and operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings were mentioned in the source material. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Mabcampath affects you. This medication may cause confusion and sleepiness in some people.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings were mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Mabcampath will be stored by your doctor or pharmacist in a medical facility. The medication is a colorless to slightly yellow concentrate that should be used immediately after dilution or within 8 hours. It should be stored between 15°C and 30°C or refrigerated, protected from light, and contains no preservatives.
Overdose Information
If you think you have received too much Mabcampath, you may need urgent medical attention. Your doctor will treat you as required if you have any ill effects from receiving too much. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre by calling 13 11 26, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mabcampath treatment may continue for up to 12 weeks, depending on your progress and how well you respond to the medication.
Each Mabcampath infusion takes about 2 hours to complete.
Mabcampath suppresses your immune system for up to 6 months after treatment ends, which affects your body’s natural ability to fight infections.
You should not receive live viral vaccines for at least 12 months after finishing Mabcampath therapy.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you are receiving Mabcampath. If you’re having surgery, tell the surgeon and anesthetist about this medication.
You may require antibiotics or antivirals to provide extra protection against infections until your immune system recovers.
Your doctor will carefully monitor you throughout treatment and keep all appointments so your progress can be checked regularly.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.