Campath

Campath is used for:

Treating B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Campath is a monoclonal antibody. It works by recognizing certain proteins that are found on the surface of certain types of cancer cells. Once the proteins are recognized, the body's immune system can kill the cancer cells.

Do NOT use Campath if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Campath
• you have an active infection
• you have a disease that affects the immune system, such as HIV

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Campath :

Some medical conditions may interact with Campath . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bone marrow depression, shingles or chickenpox, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• if you are scheduled to have a dental procedure or a vaccination

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Campath . However, no specific interactions with Campath are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Campath may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Campath :

Use Campath as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Campath is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor any questions that you may have about Campath .
• You may be given fever reducers or antibiotics before receiving Campath .
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Campath , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Campath .

Important safety information:

• Campath may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Campath with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Campath may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Campath . Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Campath may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Campath . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Campath should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Men should use effective birth control methods (eg, condoms) while receiving Campath and for 6 months after the last dose.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Women should use effective birth control methods (eg, condoms) while receiving Campath and for 6 months after the last dose. Campath may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Campath while you are pregnant. It is not known if Campath is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are using Campath and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Campath .

Possible side effects of Campath :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest tightness; cough; difficulty breathing; inability to urinate; shortness of breath.

Store Campath in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Discard if vial has been frozen. Keep Campath out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Campath , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Campath is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Campath . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.