Alemtuzumab: What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Alemtuzumab

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking alemtuzumab?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to alemtuzumab, or if you have:

• HIV or AIDS;
• any type of active infection; or
• if you are allergic to mouse or hamster proteins.

Before receiving alemtuzumab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• diabetes;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
• asthma or other breathing disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use alemtuzumab, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using alemtuzumab.

It is not known whether alemtuzumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while you are receiving alemtuzumab and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends.

Last updated:	August 15, 2007