Alemtuzumab (Campath®)

Last Modified: September 8, 2011

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Pronounced: AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab
Classification: Monoclonal antibody

About Alemtuzumab

Alemtuzumab is a synthetic (man made) antibody directed against a protein called CD52, found on the surface of some cells. Antibodies, which are normally found in the body, are developed by the immune system to destroy foreign material (such as a germ). In this case, Alemtuzumab is drawn to white blood cells that have the CD52 protein on them. These include normal and malignant (cancerous) B and T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, and some tissues of the male reproductive system. The drug binds to the surface and causes cell death. Some of the side effects of Alemtuzumab are caused by the treatment's effect on normal cells.

How to Take Alemtuzumab

Alemtuzumab is given by intravenous (into a vein) infusion, over two hours. Generally, a dose is given three times a week. The first few doses are typically given in a dose-escalation format, until the recommended dose is reached. This means that on the first day of treatment you are given a very low dose. If you don't have any serious side effects, you will be given a slightly higher dose the following treatment day, and so on. Most patients are able to reach the recommended dose in 3 to 7 treatments. Treatment tends to last for about 12 weeks total.

You will receive acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine prior to the infusion to prevent a reaction. Most patients will also be given medications called Bactrim, to prevent pneumocysitis pneumonia (PCP), and famcyclovir, to prevent herpes infection.

Possible Side Effects of Alemtuzumab

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of Alemtuzumab. Talk to your doctor or nurse about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common side effects:

Infusion-Related Side Effects

The infusion can cause a reaction that may lead to chills, fever, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. You will receive Tylenol and diphenhydramine prior to the infusion to help prevent these reactions. Some patients will also receive a steroid before the infusion to prevent a reaction. Reactions are most common during the first week of therapy, including the evening after the infusion. Your doctor or nurse will tell you what to do if this happens.

Low White Blood Cell Count (Leukopenia or Neutropenia)


Tips to preventing infection:

  • Do not handle pet waste.
  • Keep all cuts or scratches clean.
  • Shower or bath daily and perform frequent mouth care.

For more suggestions, read the Neutropenia Tip Sheet.

Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)


Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

Platelets help your blood clot, so when the platelet count is low, you are at a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any excess bruising or bleeding, including nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in your urine or stool. If the count becomes too low, you may be given a transfusion of platelets.

  • Do not take aspirin (salicylic acid), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Motrin®, Aleve®, Advil®, as these can all increase the risk of bleeding. Unless your healthcare team tells you otherwise, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Read the thrombocytopenia tip sheet for more information.

Nausea and/or Vomiting







Muscle or Joint Pain/Aches and Headache


Decrease in Appetite


  • You may experience a metallic taste or dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving chemotherapy. These symptoms can last several months after treatment.

Other Side Effects

Abdominal pain, cough, rash, and itching.

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