What it is used for
- Highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis despite other treatments
- Rapidly worsening severe relapsing multiple sclerosis
How it is used
- It is given in hospital as a drip into a vein over several hours on consecutive days, in courses set by your neurologist
- Steroids and antihistamines are given beforehand to prevent infusion reactions, and antiviral tablets to prevent herpes
- Attend regular blood and urine tests for several years after your last course, even if you feel well
- Follow food advice to avoid listeria infection, such as avoiding unpasteurised soft cheeses and undercooked meat
Possible side effects
- Infusion reactions: rash, headache, fever, flushing and nausea
- Infections such as urinary, chest and herpes infections
- Thyroid problems (overactive or underactive)
- Immune low platelets, shown by unusual bruising or bleeding
- Immune inflammation of the kidneys
Who should not use it
- HIV infection or a severe active infection
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, angina, heart attack or a tear in the neck arteries
- Other autoimmune diseases besides multiple sclerosis
- Allergy to alemtuzumab or any of its ingredients
Before and while using it
- Stroke symptoms, chest pain or sudden neck pain in the days after the drip need emergency help at once
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in the urine or swollen feet need urgent review, even years after treatment
- Tell your doctor about thyroid symptoms such as palpitations, marked tiredness or weight change
- It increases the risk of infection; complete needed vaccines before treatment and avoid live vaccines afterwards unless your doctor agrees
- It may increase the risk of some cancers, such as thyroid and skin cancer; check your skin and attend follow-up
Medicine interactions
- Other multiple sclerosis or immunosuppressant medicines increase the risk of infection; your doctor decides the gap between them
- Live vaccines are not given after treatment unless your doctor agrees
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use effective contraception during each course and for a period afterwards set by your doctor, and tell them if you plan a pregnancy
- Do not breastfeed during a course and for a period afterwards, as your doctor advises
How to store it
- It is kept in the fridge and prepared in hospital
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.