Mab-campath

Overdose

Across all clinical experience, the reported maximum single dose received was 90 mg. Bone marrow aplasia, infections, or severe infusions reactions occurred in patients who received a dose higher than recommended.

One patient received an 80 mg dose by IV infusion and experienced acute bronchospasm, cough, and dyspnea, followed by anuria and death. Another patient received two 90 mg doses by IV infusion one day apart during the second week of treatment and experienced a rapid onset of bone marrow aplasia.

There is no known specific antidote for Mab-Campath overdosage. Treatment consists of drug discontinuation and supportive therapy.

Across all clinical experience, the reported maximum single dose received was 90 mg. Bone marrow aplasia, infections, or severe infusions reactions occurred in patients who received a dose higher than recommended.

One patient received an 80 mg dose by IV infusion and experienced acute bronchospasm, cough, and dyspnea, followed by anuria and death. Another patient received two 90 mg doses by IV infusion one day apart during the second week of treatment and experienced a rapid onset of bone marrow aplasia.

There is no known specific antidote for Campath overdosage. Treatment consists of drug discontinuation and supportive therapy.

Contraindications

None

Undesirable effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

• Cytopenias
• Infusion Reactions
• Immunosuppression/Infections

The most common adverse reactions with Mab-Campath are: infusion reactions (pyrexia, chills, hypotension, urticaria, nausea, rash, tachycardia, dyspnea), cytopenias (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), infections (CMV viremia, CMV infection, other infections), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, emesis, abdominal pain), and neurological symptoms (insomnia, anxiety). The most common serious adverse reactions are cytopenias, infusion reactions, and immunosuppression/infections.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data below reflect exposure to Mab-Campath in 296 patients with CLL of whom 147 were previously untreated and 149 received at least 2 prior chemotherapy regimens. The median duration of exposure was 11.7 weeks for previously untreated patients and 8 weeks for previously treated patients.

Severe lymphopenia and a rapid and sustained decrease in lymphocyte subsets occurred in previously untreated and previously treated patients following administration of Mab-Campath. In previously untreated patients, the median CD4+ was 0 cells/µL at one month after treatment and 238 cells/µL [25-75% interquartile range 115 to 418 cells/µL at 6 months post-treatment.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 42% with a median time to onset of 31 days and a median duration of 37 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 64% with a median duration of 28 days. Ten percent of previously untreated patients and 17% of previously treated patients received granulocyte colony stimulating factors.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 anemia was 12% with a median time to onset of 31 days and a median duration of 8 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 anemia was 38%. Seventeen percent of previously untreated patients and 66% of previously treated patients received either erythropoiesis stimulating agents, transfusions or both.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 14% with a median time to onset of 9 days and a median duration of 14 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 52% with a median duration of 21 days. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia was reported in 2% of previously treated patients with one fatality.

Infusion reactions, which included pyrexia, chills, hypotension, urticaria, and dyspnea, were common. Grade 3 and 4 pyrexia and/or chills occurred in approximately 10% of previously untreated patients and in approximately 35% of previously treated patients. The occurrence of infusion reactions was greatest during the initial week of treatment and decreased with subsequent doses of Mab-Campath. All patients were pretreated with antipyretics and antihistamines; additionally, 43% of previously untreated patients received glucocorticoid pre-treatment.

In the study of previously untreated patients, patients were tested weekly for CMV using a PCR assay from initiation through completion of therapy, and every 2 weeks for the first 2 months following therapy. CMV infection occurred in 16% (23/147) of previously untreated patients; approximately one-third of these infections were serious or life threatening. In studies of previously treated patients in which routine CMV surveillance was not required, CMV infection was documented in 6% (9/149) of patients; nearly all of these infections were serious or life threatening.

Other infections were reported in approximately 50% of patients across all studies. Grade 3 - 5 sepsis ranged from 3% to 10% across studies and was higher in previously treated patients. Grade 3 - 4 febrile neutropenia ranged from 5 to 10% across studies and was higher in previously treated patients. Infection-related fatalities occurred in 2% of previously untreated patients and 16% of previously treated patients. There were 198 episodes of other infection in 109 previously untreated patients; 16% were bacterial, 7% were fungal, 4% were other viral, and in 73%, the organism was not identified.

Cardiac dysrhythmias occurred in approximately 14% of previously untreated patients. The majority were tachycardias and were temporally associated with infusion; dysrhythmias were Grade 3 or 4 in 1% of patients.

Table 1 contains selected adverse reactions observed in 294 patients randomized (1:1) to receive Mab-Campath or chlorambucil as first line therapy for B-CLL. Mab-Campath was administered at a dose of 30 mg intravenously three times weekly for up to 12 weeks. The median duration of therapy was 11.7 weeks with a median weekly dose of 82 mg (25-75% interquartile range: 69 mg - 90 mg).

Table 1

Additional safety information was obtained from 3 single arm studies of 149 previously treated patients with CLL administered 30 mg Mab-Campath intravenously three times weekly for 4 to 12 weeks (median cumulative dose 673 mg [range 2 - 1106 mg]; median duration of therapy 8.0 weeks). Adverse reactions in these studies not listed in Table 1 that occurred at an incidence rate of > 5% were fatigue, nausea, emesis, musculoskeletal pain, anorexia, dysesthesia, mucositis, and bronchospasm.

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Using an ELISA assay, anti-human antibodies (HAHA) were detected in 11 of 133 (8.3%) previously untreated patients. In addition, two patients were weakly positive for neutralizing activity. Limited data suggest that the anti-Mab-Campath antibodies did not adversely affect tumor response. Four of 211 (1.9%) previously-treated patients were found to have antibodies to Mab-Campath following treatment.

The incidence of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Mab-Campath with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

The following adverse reactions were identified during post-approval use of Mab-Campath. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to Mab-Campath exposure. Decisions to include these reactions in labeling are typically based on one or more of the following factors: (1) seriousness of the reaction, (2) reported frequency of the reaction, or (3) strength of causal connection to Mab-Campath.

Fatal infusion reactions:.

Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, decreased ejection fraction (some patients had been previously treated with cardiotoxic agents).

Immune disorders: Goodpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, aplastic anemia, Guillain Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, serum sickness, fatal transfusion associated Graft versus Host Disease.

Infections: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), re-activation of latent viruses.

Metabolic: tumor lysis syndrome

Neurologic: optic neuropathy

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

• Cytopenias
• Infusion Reactions
• Immunosuppression/Infections

The most common adverse reactions with Campath are: infusion reactions (pyrexia, chills, hypotension, urticaria, nausea, rash, tachycardia, dyspnea), cytopenias (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), infections (CMV viremia, CMV infection, other infections), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, emesis, abdominal pain), and neurological symptoms (insomnia, anxiety). The most common serious adverse reactions are cytopenias, infusion reactions, and immunosuppression/infections.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data below reflect exposure to Campath in 296 patients with CLL of whom 147 were previously untreated and 149 received at least 2 prior chemotherapy regimens. The median duration of exposure was 11.7 weeks for previously untreated patients and 8 weeks for previously treated patients.

Severe lymphopenia and a rapid and sustained decrease in lymphocyte subsets occurred in previously untreated and previously treated patients following administration of Campath. In previously untreated patients, the median CD4+ was 0 cells/µL at one month after treatment and 238 cells/µL [25-75% interquartile range 115 to 418 cells/µL at 6 months post-treatment.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 42% with a median time to onset of 31 days and a median duration of 37 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 64% with a median duration of 28 days. Ten percent of previously untreated patients and 17% of previously treated patients received granulocyte colony stimulating factors.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 anemia was 12% with a median time to onset of 31 days and a median duration of 8 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 anemia was 38%. Seventeen percent of previously untreated patients and 66% of previously treated patients received either erythropoiesis stimulating agents, transfusions or both.

In previously untreated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 14% with a median time to onset of 9 days and a median duration of 14 days. In previously treated patients, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 52% with a median duration of 21 days. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia was reported in 2% of previously treated patients with one fatality.

Infusion reactions, which included pyrexia, chills, hypotension, urticaria, and dyspnea, were common. Grade 3 and 4 pyrexia and/or chills occurred in approximately 10% of previously untreated patients and in approximately 35% of previously treated patients. The occurrence of infusion reactions was greatest during the initial week of treatment and decreased with subsequent doses of Campath. All patients were pretreated with antipyretics and antihistamines; additionally, 43% of previously untreated patients received glucocorticoid pre-treatment.

In the study of previously untreated patients, patients were tested weekly for CMV using a PCR assay from initiation through completion of therapy, and every 2 weeks for the first 2 months following therapy. CMV infection occurred in 16% (23/147) of previously untreated patients; approximately one-third of these infections were serious or life threatening. In studies of previously treated patients in which routine CMV surveillance was not required, CMV infection was documented in 6% (9/149) of patients; nearly all of these infections were serious or life threatening.

Other infections were reported in approximately 50% of patients across all studies. Grade 3 - 5 sepsis ranged from 3% to 10% across studies and was higher in previously treated patients. Grade 3 - 4 febrile neutropenia ranged from 5 to 10% across studies and was higher in previously treated patients. Infection-related fatalities occurred in 2% of previously untreated patients and 16% of previously treated patients. There were 198 episodes of other infection in 109 previously untreated patients; 16% were bacterial, 7% were fungal, 4% were other viral, and in 73%, the organism was not identified.

Cardiac dysrhythmias occurred in approximately 14% of previously untreated patients. The majority were tachycardias and were temporally associated with infusion; dysrhythmias were Grade 3 or 4 in 1% of patients.

Table 1 contains selected adverse reactions observed in 294 patients randomized (1:1) to receive Campath or chlorambucil as first line therapy for B-CLL. Campath was administered at a dose of 30 mg intravenously three times weekly for up to 12 weeks. The median duration of therapy was 11.7 weeks with a median weekly dose of 82 mg (25-75% interquartile range: 69 mg - 90 mg).

Table 1

Additional safety information was obtained from 3 single arm studies of 149 previously treated patients with CLL administered 30 mg Campath intravenously three times weekly for 4 to 12 weeks (median cumulative dose 673 mg [range 2 - 1106 mg]; median duration of therapy 8.0 weeks). Adverse reactions in these studies not listed in Table 1 that occurred at an incidence rate of > 5% were fatigue, nausea, emesis, musculoskeletal pain, anorexia, dysesthesia, mucositis, and bronchospasm.

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Using an ELISA assay, anti-human antibodies (HAHA) were detected in 11 of 133 (8.3%) previously untreated patients. In addition, two patients were weakly positive for neutralizing activity. Limited data suggest that the anti-Campath antibodies did not adversely affect tumor response. Four of 211 (1.9%) previously-treated patients were found to have antibodies to Campath following treatment.

The incidence of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Campath with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

The following adverse reactions were identified during post-approval use of Campath. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to Campath exposure. Decisions to include these reactions in labeling are typically based on one or more of the following factors: (1) seriousness of the reaction, (2) reported frequency of the reaction, or (3) strength of causal connection to Campath.

Fatal infusion reactions:.

Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, decreased ejection fraction (some patients had been previously treated with cardiotoxic agents).

Immune disorders: Goodpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, aplastic anemia, Guillain Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, serum sickness, fatal transfusion associated Graft versus Host Disease.

Infections: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), re-activation of latent viruses.

Metabolic: tumor lysis syndrome

Neurologic: optic neuropathy

Therapeutic indications

Mab-Campath is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Campath is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Pharmacodynamic properties

The effect of multiple doses of alemtuzumab (12 mg/day for 5 days) on the QTc interval was evaluated in a single-arm study in 53 patients without malignancy. No large changes in the mean QTc interval (i.e., > 20 ms) were detected in the study. A mean increase in heart rate of 22 to 26 beats/min was observed for at least 2 hours following the initial infusion of alemtuzumab. This increase in heart rate was not observed with subsequent doses.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Mab-Campath pharmacokinetics were characterized in a study of 30 previously treated B-CLL patients in whom Mab-Campath was administered at the recommended dose and schedule. Mab-Campath pharmacokinetics displayed nonlinear elimination kinetics. After the last 30 mg dose, the mean volume of distribution at steady-state was 0.18 L/kg (range 0.1 to 0.4 L/kg). Systemic clearance decreased with repeated administration due to decreased receptor-mediated clearance (i.e., loss of CD52 receptors in the periphery). After 12 weeks of dosing, patients exhibited a seven-fold increase in mean AUC. Mean half-life was 11 hours (range 2 to 32 hours) after the first 30 mg dose and was 6 days (range 1 to 14 days) after the last 30 mg dose.

Comparisons of AUC in patients ≥ 65 years (n=6) versus patients < 65 years (n=15) suggested that no dose adjustments are necessary for age. Comparisons of AUC in female patients (n=4) versus male patients (n=17) suggested that no dose adjustments are necessary for gender.

The pharmacokinetics of Mab-Campath in pediatric patients have not been studied. The effects of renal or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Mab-Campath have not been studied.

Campath pharmacokinetics were characterized in a study of 30 previously treated B-CLL patients in whom Campath was administered at the recommended dose and schedule. Campath pharmacokinetics displayed nonlinear elimination kinetics. After the last 30 mg dose, the mean volume of distribution at steady-state was 0.18 L/kg (range 0.1 to 0.4 L/kg). Systemic clearance decreased with repeated administration due to decreased receptor-mediated clearance (i.e., loss of CD52 receptors in the periphery). After 12 weeks of dosing, patients exhibited a seven-fold increase in mean AUC. Mean half-life was 11 hours (range 2 to 32 hours) after the first 30 mg dose and was 6 days (range 1 to 14 days) after the last 30 mg dose.

Comparisons of AUC in patients ≥ 65 years (n=6) versus patients < 65 years (n=15) suggested that no dose adjustments are necessary for age. Comparisons of AUC in female patients (n=4) versus male patients (n=17) suggested that no dose adjustments are necessary for gender.

The pharmacokinetics of Campath in pediatric patients have not been studied. The effects of renal or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Campath have not been studied.

Name of the medicinal product

Qualitative and quantitative composition

Special warnings and precautions for use

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Severe, including fatal, autoimmune anemia and thrombocytopenia, and prolonged myelosuppression have been reported in patients receiving Mab-Campath.

In addition, hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, bone marrow aplasia, and hypoplasia have been reported after treatment with Mab-Campath at the recommended dose. Single doses of Mab-Campath greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia.

Withhold Mab-Campath for severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia). Discontinue for autoimmune cytopenias or recurrent/persistent severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia). No data exist on the safety of Mab-Campath resumption in patients with autoimmune cytopenias or marrow aplasia.

Adverse reactions occurring during or shortly after Mab-Campath infusion include pyrexia, chills/rigors, nausea, hypotension, urticaria, dyspnea, rash, emesis, and bronchospasm. In clinical trials, the frequency of infusion reactions was highest in the first week of treatment. Monitor for the signs and symptoms listed above and withhold infusion for Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions.

The following serious, including fatal, infusion reactions have been identified in postmarketing reports: syncope, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute cardiac insufficiency, cardiac arrest, angioedema, and anaphylactoid shock.

Initiate Mab-Campath according to the recommended dose-escalation scheme. Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing. Institute medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, meperidine) for infusion reactions as needed. If therapy is interrupted for 7 or more days, reinstitute Mab-Campath with gradual dose escalation.

Mab-Campath treatment results in severe and prolonged lymphopenia with a concomitant increased incidence of opportunistic infections. Administer PCP and herpes viral prophylaxis during Mab-Campath therapy and for a minimum of 2 months after completion of Mab-Campath or until the CD4+ count is ≥ 200 cells/µL, whichever occurs later. Prophylaxis does not eliminate these infections.

Routinely monitor patients for CMV infection during Mab-Campath treatment and for at least 2 months following completion of treatment. Withhold Mab-Campath for serious infections and during antiviral treatment for CMV infection or confirmed CMV viremia (defined as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive CMV in ≥ 2 consecutive samples obtained 1 week apart). Initiate therapeutic ganciclovir (or equivalent) for CMV infection or confirmed CMV viremia.

Administer only irradiated blood products to avoid transfusion associated Graft versus Host Disease (TAGVHD), unless emergent circumstances dictate immediate transfusion.1

In patients receiving Mab-Campath as initial therapy, recovery of CD4+ counts to ≥ 200 cells/µL occurred by 6 months post-treatment; however at 2 months post-treatment, the median was 183 cells/µL. In previously treated patients receiving Mab-Campath, the median time to recovery of CD4+ counts to ≥ 200 cells/µ.L was 2 months; however, full recovery (to baseline) of CD4+ and CD8+ counts may take more than 12 months.

Obtain complete blood counts (CBC) at weekly intervals during Mab-Campath therapy and more frequently if worsening anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia occurs. Assess CD4+ counts after treatment until recovery to ≥ 200 cells/µL.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following Mab-Campath therapy has not been studied. Do not administer live viral vaccines to patients who have recently received Mab-Campath. The ability to generate an immune response to any vaccine following Mab-Campath therapy has not been studied.

REFERENCES

1 American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers, American Red Cross. Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components. July 2002.

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to establish the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of Mab-Campath, or to determine its effects on fertility in males or females.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Mab-Campath. IgG antibodies, such as Mab-Campath, can cross the placental barrier. It is not known whether Mab-Campath can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Mab-Campath should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Excretion of Mab-Campath in human breast milk has not been studied; it is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. IgG antibodies, such as Mab-Campath, can be excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Mab-Campath, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the elimination half-life of Mab-Campath and the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

Of 147 previously untreated B-CLL patients treated with Mab-Campath, 35% were ≥ age 65 and 4% were ≥ age 75. Of 149 previously treated patients with B-CLL, 44% were ≥ 65 years of age and 10% were ≥ 75 years of age. Clinical studies of Mab-Campath did not include sufficient number of subjects age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Severe, including fatal, autoimmune anemia and thrombocytopenia, and prolonged myelosuppression have been reported in patients receiving Campath.

In addition, hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, bone marrow aplasia, and hypoplasia have been reported after treatment with Campath at the recommended dose. Single doses of Campath greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia.

Withhold Campath for severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia). Discontinue for autoimmune cytopenias or recurrent/persistent severe cytopenias (except lymphopenia). No data exist on the safety of Campath resumption in patients with autoimmune cytopenias or marrow aplasia.

Adverse reactions occurring during or shortly after Campath infusion include pyrexia, chills/rigors, nausea, hypotension, urticaria, dyspnea, rash, emesis, and bronchospasm. In clinical trials, the frequency of infusion reactions was highest in the first week of treatment. Monitor for the signs and symptoms listed above and withhold infusion for Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions.

The following serious, including fatal, infusion reactions have been identified in postmarketing reports: syncope, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute cardiac insufficiency, cardiac arrest, angioedema, and anaphylactoid shock.

Initiate Campath according to the recommended dose-escalation scheme. Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing. Institute medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, meperidine) for infusion reactions as needed. If therapy is interrupted for 7 or more days, reinstitute Campath with gradual dose escalation.

Campath treatment results in severe and prolonged lymphopenia with a concomitant increased incidence of opportunistic infections. Administer PCP and herpes viral prophylaxis during Campath therapy and for a minimum of 2 months after completion of Campath or until the CD4+ count is ≥ 200 cells/µL, whichever occurs later. Prophylaxis does not eliminate these infections.

Routinely monitor patients for CMV infection during Campath treatment and for at least 2 months following completion of treatment. Withhold Campath for serious infections and during antiviral treatment for CMV infection or confirmed CMV viremia (defined as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive CMV in ≥ 2 consecutive samples obtained 1 week apart). Initiate therapeutic ganciclovir (or equivalent) for CMV infection or confirmed CMV viremia.

Administer only irradiated blood products to avoid transfusion associated Graft versus Host Disease (TAGVHD), unless emergent circumstances dictate immediate transfusion.1

In patients receiving Campath as initial therapy, recovery of CD4+ counts to ≥ 200 cells/µL occurred by 6 months post-treatment; however at 2 months post-treatment, the median was 183 cells/µL. In previously treated patients receiving Campath, the median time to recovery of CD4+ counts to ≥ 200 cells/µ.L was 2 months; however, full recovery (to baseline) of CD4+ and CD8+ counts may take more than 12 months.

Obtain complete blood counts (CBC) at weekly intervals during Campath therapy and more frequently if worsening anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia occurs. Assess CD4+ counts after treatment until recovery to ≥ 200 cells/µL.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following Campath therapy has not been studied. Do not administer live viral vaccines to patients who have recently received Campath. The ability to generate an immune response to any vaccine following Campath therapy has not been studied.

REFERENCES

1 American Association of Blood Banks, America's Blood Centers, American Red Cross. Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components. July 2002.

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to establish the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of Campath, or to determine its effects on fertility in males or females.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Campath. IgG antibodies, such as Campath, can cross the placental barrier. It is not known whether Campath can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Campath should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Excretion of Campath in human breast milk has not been studied; it is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. IgG antibodies, such as Campath, can be excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Campath, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the elimination half-life of Campath and the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

Of 147 previously untreated B-CLL patients treated with Campath, 35% were ≥ age 65 and 4% were ≥ age 75. Of 149 previously treated patients with B-CLL, 44% were ≥ 65 years of age and 10% were ≥ 75 years of age. Clinical studies of Campath did not include sufficient number of subjects age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Dosage (Posology) and method of administration

• Administer as an IV infusion over 2 hours. Do not administer as intravenous push or bolus.
• Recommended Dosing Regimen
  • Gradually escalate to the maximum recommended single dose of 30 mg. Escalation is required at initiation of dosing or if dosing is held ≥ 7 days during treatment. Escalation to 30 mg ordinarily can be accomplished in 3 – 7 days.
  • Escalation Strategy:
    • Administer 3 mg daily until infusion reactions are ≤ grade 2.
    • Then administer 10 mg daily until infusion reactions are ≤ grade 2.
    • Then administer 30 mg/day three times per week on alternate days (e.g., Mon-Wed-Fri). The total duration of therapy, including dose escalation, is 12 weeks.
• Single doses of greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia.

• Premedicate with diphenhydramine (50 mg) and acetaminophen (500-1000 mg) 30 minutes prior to first infusion and each dose escalation. Institute appropriate medical management (e.g. steroids, epinephrine, meperidine) for infusion reactions as needed.
• Administer trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole DS twice daily (BID) three times per week (or equivalent) as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis.
• Administer famciclovir 250 mg BID or equivalent as herpetic prophylaxis.

Continue PCP and herpes viral prophylaxis for a minimum of 2 months after completion of Mab-Campath or until the CD4+ count is > 200 cells/^L, whichever occurs later.

• Withhold Mab-Campath during serious infection or other serious adverse reactions until resolution.
• Discontinue Mab-Campath for autoimmune anemia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
• There are no dose modifications recommended for lymphopenia.

Dose Modification for Neutropenia or Thrombocytopenia

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. If particulate matter is present or the solution is discolored, the vial should not be used. DO NOT SHAKE VIAL.

Use aseptic technique during the preparation and administration of Mab-Campath. Withdraw the necessary amount of Mab-Campath from the vial into a syringe.

• To prepare the 3 mg dose, withdraw 0.1 mL into a 1 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.01 mL.
• To prepare the 10 mg dose, withdraw 0.33 mL into a 1 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.01 mL.
• To prepare the 30 mg dose, withdraw 1 mL in either a 1 mL or 3 mL syringe calibrated in 0.1 mL increments.

Inject syringe contents into 100 mL sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP or 5% Dextrose in Water USP. Gently invert the bag to mix the solution. Discard syringe.

The vial contains no preservatives and is intended for single use only. DISCARD VIAL including any unused portion after withdrawal of dose.

Use within 8 hours after dilution. Store diluted Mab-Campath at room temperature (15-30°C) or refrigerated (2-8°C). Protect from light.

Mab-Campath is compatible with polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags and PVC or polyethylenelined PVC administration sets. Do not add or simultaneously infuse other drug substances through the same intravenous line.

• Administer as an IV infusion over 2 hours. Do not administer as intravenous push or bolus.
• Recommended Dosing Regimen
  • Gradually escalate to the maximum recommended single dose of 30 mg. Escalation is required at initiation of dosing or if dosing is held ≥ 7 days during treatment. Escalation to 30 mg ordinarily can be accomplished in 3 – 7 days.
  • Escalation Strategy:
    • Administer 3 mg daily until infusion reactions are ≤ grade 2.
    • Then administer 10 mg daily until infusion reactions are ≤ grade 2.
    • Then administer 30 mg/day three times per week on alternate days (e.g., Mon-Wed-Fri). The total duration of therapy, including dose escalation, is 12 weeks.
• Single doses of greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia.

• Premedicate with diphenhydramine (50 mg) and acetaminophen (500-1000 mg) 30 minutes prior to first infusion and each dose escalation. Institute appropriate medical management (e.g. steroids, epinephrine, meperidine) for infusion reactions as needed.
• Administer trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole DS twice daily (BID) three times per week (or equivalent) as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis.
• Administer famciclovir 250 mg BID or equivalent as herpetic prophylaxis.

Continue PCP and herpes viral prophylaxis for a minimum of 2 months after completion of Campath or until the CD4+ count is > 200 cells/^L, whichever occurs later.

• Withhold Campath during serious infection or other serious adverse reactions until resolution.
• Discontinue Campath for autoimmune anemia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
• There are no dose modifications recommended for lymphopenia.

Dose Modification for Neutropenia or Thrombocytopenia

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. If particulate matter is present or the solution is discolored, the vial should not be used. DO NOT SHAKE VIAL.

Use aseptic technique during the preparation and administration of Campath. Withdraw the necessary amount of Campath from the vial into a syringe.

• To prepare the 3 mg dose, withdraw 0.1 mL into a 1 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.01 mL.
• To prepare the 10 mg dose, withdraw 0.33 mL into a 1 mL syringe calibrated in increments of 0.01 mL.
• To prepare the 30 mg dose, withdraw 1 mL in either a 1 mL or 3 mL syringe calibrated in 0.1 mL increments.

Inject syringe contents into 100 mL sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP or 5% Dextrose in Water USP. Gently invert the bag to mix the solution. Discard syringe.

The vial contains no preservatives and is intended for single use only. DISCARD VIAL including any unused portion after withdrawal of dose.

Use within 8 hours after dilution. Store diluted Campath at room temperature (15-30°C) or refrigerated (2-8°C). Protect from light.

Campath is compatible with polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags and PVC or polyethylenelined PVC administration sets. Do not add or simultaneously infuse other drug substances through the same intravenous line.