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What is Alemtuzumab and for what Alemtuzumab is used?

Alemtuzumab medication belong to Monoclonal antibody class.

Alemtuzumab is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized monoclonal antibody. Alemtuzumab binds to CD52, a nonmodulating antigen that is present on the surface of essentially all B- and T- lymphocytes, a majority of monocytes, macrophages, and NK cells, and a subpopulation of granulocytes. The proposed mechanism of action is antibody-dependent lysis of leukemic cells following cell surface binding. The maximum serum concentration and the AUC has shown relative dose proportionality.

Alemtuzumab has been associated with infusion-related events including hypotension, rigors, fever, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, chills, or rash. In order to ameliorate or avoid infusion-related events, premedicate patients with an oral antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing and monitor closely.

In addition, initiate alemtuzumab at a low dose with gradual escalation to the effective dose. Careful monitoring of blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms is recommended, especially in patients with ischemic heart disease and in patients on antihypertensive medications. If therapy is interrupted for at least 7 days, reinstitute alemtuzumab with gradual dose escalation.

How to Take Alemtuzumab

Take Alemtuzumab exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Alemtuzumab is generally available in market in the form of Powder for injection, lyophilized 7.5 mg, Avoid shaking the ampule before use. Discard ampule if solution has been frozen.Dilute in 100 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose. Mix the solution by gently inverting the bag. Diluted solutions are preservative-free and should be used within 24 hr to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. The manufacturer recommends use within 8 hr.