What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving alemtuzumab?
You may not be able to use alemtuzumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- an active infection; or
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- tuberculosis or other infections;
- a thyroid disorder;
- kidney disease;
- bleeding problems, or if you receive blood transfusions; or
- if you have received any vaccine in the past 6 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have never had chickenpox or if you have never received a varicella vaccine (Varivax). You may need to receive the vaccine and then wait 6 weeks before using Lemtrada.
Lemtrada may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as melanoma, thyroid cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Alemtuzumab may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving this medicine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Campath and for 4 months after your last dose of Lemtrada. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you use Campath while you are pregnant, make sure any doctor caring for your new baby knows that you used the medicine during pregnancy. Being exposed to Campath in the womb could affect your baby's vaccination schedule.
Alemtuzumab may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because alemtuzumab can harm an unborn baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using alemtuzumab. You should not breastfeed while using Campath, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.