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Drug overview for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
Generic name: ALEMTUZUMAB (AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab)
Drug class: Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies
Therapeutic class: Multiple Sclerosis Agents
Alemtuzumab, a recombinant DNA-derived humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, has immunomodulatory and disease-modifying activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
Generic name: ALEMTUZUMAB (AL-em-TOOZ-oo-mab)
Drug class: Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies
Therapeutic class: Multiple Sclerosis Agents
Alemtuzumab, a recombinant DNA-derived humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, has immunomodulatory and disease-modifying activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
DRUG IMAGES
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The following indications for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Relapsing form of multiple sclerosis
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Professional Synonyms:
Multiple sclerosis, relapsing form
Indications:
Relapsing form of multiple sclerosis
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Professional Synonyms:
Multiple sclerosis, relapsing form
The following dosing information is available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
The recommended adult dosage of alemtuzumab for the management of relapsing forms ofMS in the first treatment course is 12 mg daily by IV infusion for 5 consecutive days (total dose of 60 mg), followed 12 months later by a second treatment course consisting of 12 mg daily for 3 consecutive days (total dose of 36 mg).
In clinical studies, 2 courses of treatment generally were sufficient to maintain clinical benefits. However, if needed, subsequent treatment courses of 12 mg daily on 3 consecutive days (total dose of 36 mg) may be administered at least 12 months after the last dose of any prior treatment courses.
In clinical studies, 2 courses of treatment generally were sufficient to maintain clinical benefits. However, if needed, subsequent treatment courses of 12 mg daily on 3 consecutive days (total dose of 36 mg) may be administered at least 12 months after the last dose of any prior treatment courses.
Alemtuzumab is administered by IV infusion over 4 hours (or longer if clinically indicated). The drug should not be administered by rapid IV injection, such as IV push or bolus. For the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), alemtuzumab is usually administered over 2 treatment courses (initial 5-day course, followed by a 3-day course 12 months later).
Alemtuzumab injection concentrate should be stored at 2-8degreesC in the original carton and protected from light. The vials should not be frozen or shaken. The drug should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to dilution and administration, and should be discarded if visible particles and/or discoloration are present; solutions of the drug should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow.
Each vial is intended for single use only because the drug contains no preservatives. Prior to administration, the commercially available injection concentrate must be diluted by adding 1.2 mL of alemtuzumab 10 mg/mL to an infusion bag containing 100 mL of 0.9%
sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection; the bag should be inverted gently to mix the solution. The drug should be administered within 8 hours of dilution; if not used immediately, the diluted solution may be stored at room temperature (15-25degreesC) or under refrigeration (2-8degreesC) for up to 8 hours and protected from light. Alemtuzumab should not be admixed or administered simultaneously in the same IV line with other drugs.
Alemtuzumab injection concentrate should be stored at 2-8degreesC in the original carton and protected from light. The vials should not be frozen or shaken. The drug should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to dilution and administration, and should be discarded if visible particles and/or discoloration are present; solutions of the drug should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow.
Each vial is intended for single use only because the drug contains no preservatives. Prior to administration, the commercially available injection concentrate must be diluted by adding 1.2 mL of alemtuzumab 10 mg/mL to an infusion bag containing 100 mL of 0.9%
sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection; the bag should be inverted gently to mix the solution. The drug should be administered within 8 hours of dilution; if not used immediately, the diluted solution may be stored at room temperature (15-25degreesC) or under refrigeration (2-8degreesC) for up to 8 hours and protected from light. Alemtuzumab should not be admixed or administered simultaneously in the same IV line with other drugs.
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| LEMTRADA 12 MG/1.2 ML VIAL | Maintenance | Adults infuse 1.2 milliliters (12 mg) over 4 hour(s) by intravenous route once daily for 5 consecutive days |
No generic dosing information available.
The following drug interaction information is available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
There are 4 contraindications.
These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Efalizumab; Natalizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Natalizumab,(1-3) efalizumab,(4) immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of natalizumab(1-3) or efalizumab(4) with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (JCV). PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Previous JCV infection, longer duration of natalizumab treatment - especially if greater than 2 years, and prior or concomitant treatment with immunosuppressant medication are all independent risk factors which increase the risk for PML.(1,5) The FDA has estimated PML incidence stratified by risk factors: If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence <1/1,000. If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment less than 25 months, incidence 2/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, no prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 4/1,000 If anti-JCV antibody positive, history of prior immunosuppressant use and natalizumab treatment 25-48 months, incidence 11/1,000. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of natalizumab states patients with Crohn's disease should not receive concurrent immunosuppressants, with the exception of limited overlap of corticosteroids, due to the increased risk for PML. For new natalizumab patients currently receiving chronic oral corticosteroids for Crohn's Disease, begin corticosteroid taper when therapeutic response to natalizumab has occurred. If corticosteroids cannot be discontinued within six months of starting natalizumab, discontinue natalizumab.(3) The US manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not ordinarily be used in multiple sclerosis patients receiving immunosuppressants or immunomodulators due to the increased risk for PML. Immunosuppressives include, but are not limited to azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, mycophenolate, and corticosteroids.(3,6) The UK manufacturer of natalizumab states that concurrent use with immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents is contraindicated.(1) The Canadian manufacturer of natalizumab states that natalizumab should not be used with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents.(2) The US manufacturer of certolizumab states that concurrent therapy with natalizumab is not recommended.(7) DISCUSSION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been reported in patients receiving concurrent natalizumab were recently or concomitantly taking immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.(1-5,8,9) In a retrospective cohort study of multiple sclerosis patients newly initiated on a disease-modifying therapy, use of high-efficacy agents (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab) resulted in the same risk of overall infections as moderate-efficacy agents, but there was an elevated risk of serious infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.44) and UTIs (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.30).(10) |
TYSABRI |
| Live Vaccines; Live BCG/Selected Immunosuppressive Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: A variety of disease modifying agents suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1) Patients who receive anti-B cell therapies should not receive live vaccines for at least 6 months after such therapies due to a prolonged duration of immunosuppression. An exception is the Zoster vaccine, which can be given at least 1 month after receipt of anti-B cell therapies.(1) The US manufacturer of abatacept states live vaccines should not be given during or for up to 3 months after discontinuation of abatacept.(2) The US manufacturer of live BCG for intravesicular treatment of bladder cancer states use is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(3) The US manufacturer of daclizumab states live vaccines are not recommended during and for up to 4 months after discontinuation of treatment.(4) The US manufacturer of guselkumab states that live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with guselkumab.(5) The US manufacturer of inebilizumab-cdon states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation until B-cell repletion. Administer all live vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of inebilizumab-cdon.(6) The US manufacturer of ocrelizumab states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion occurs after discontinuation of therapy. Administer all live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ocrelizumab.(7) The US manufacturer of ozanimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for up to 3 months after discontinuation of ozanimod.(8) The US manufacturer of siponimod states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.(9) The US manufacturer of ustekinumab states BCG vaccines should not be given in the year prior to, during, or the year after ustekinumab therapy.(10) The US manufacturer of satralizumab-mwge states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and should be administered at least four weeks prior to initiation of satralizumab-mwge.(11) The US manufacturer of ublituximab-xiiy states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell recovery. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ublituximab-xiiy.(12) The US manufacturer of etrasimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for 5 weeks after treatment. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of etrasimod.(13) The US manufacturer of emapalumab-lzsg states that live vaccines should not be administered to patients receiving emapalumab-lzsg and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of emapalumab-lzsg. The safety of immunization with live vaccines during or following emapalumab-lzsg therapy has not been studied.(14) DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1) |
ACAM2000 (NATIONAL STOCKPILE), ADENOVIRUS TYPE 4, ADENOVIRUS TYPE 4 AND TYPE 7, ADENOVIRUS TYPE 7, BCG (TICE STRAIN), BCG VACCINE (TICE STRAIN), DENGVAXIA, ERVEBO (NATIONAL STOCKPILE), FLUMIST TRIVALENT 2024-2025, IXCHIQ, M-M-R II VACCINE, PRIORIX, PROQUAD, ROTARIX, ROTATEQ, STAMARIL, VARIVAX VACCINE, VAXCHORA ACTIVE COMPONENT, VAXCHORA VACCINE, VIVOTIF, YF-VAX |
| Talimogene laherparepvec/Selected Immunosuppressants SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Talimogene laherparepvec is a live, attenuated herpes simplex virus.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Talimogene laherparepvec is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(1) The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks due to immunosuppressant drugs should be determined by a physician. DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.(1) |
IMLYGIC |
| Nadofaragene Firadenovec/Selected Immunosuppressants SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Nadofaragene firadenovec may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of nadofaragene firadenovec in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may cause disseminated adenovirus infection.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not receive nadofaragene firadenovec.(1) DISCUSSION: Nadofaragene firadenovec is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based gene therapy but may contain low levels of replication-competent adenovirus. Immunocompromised persons, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may be at risk for disseminated adenovirus infection.(1) |
ADSTILADRIN |
There are 13 severe interactions.
These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Deferiprone/Selected Myelosuppressive Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of deferiprone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis may increase the frequency or risk for severe toxicity.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deferiprone and myelosuppressive agents may result in severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis, which may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Agranulocytosis may be less common in patients receiving deferiprone for thalassemia, and more common in patients treated for other systemic iron overload conditions (e.g. myelodysplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease).(2,3) Inadequate monitoring appears to increase the risk for severe outcomes. Manufacturer post market surveillance found that in all fatal cases of agranulocytosis reported between 1999 and 2005, data on weekly white blood count (WBC) monitoring was missing. In three fatal cases, deferiprone was continued for two to seven days after the detection of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, discontinue one of the drugs associated with risk for neutropenia or agranulocytosis. If alternative therapy is not available, documentation and adherence to the deferiprone monitoring protocol is essential. Baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must be at least 1,500/uL prior to starting deferiprone. Monitor ANC weekly during therapy. If infection develops, interrupt deferiprone therapy and monitor ANC more frequently. If ANC is less than 1,500/uL but greater than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone and any other drugs possibly associated with neutropenia. Initiate ANC and platelet counts daily until recovery (i.e. ANC at least 1,500/uL). If ANC is less than 500/uL, discontinue deferiprone, evaluate patient and hospitalize if appropriate. Do not resume deferiprone unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks.(1) DISCUSSION: Drugs linked to this monograph have an FDA Boxed Warning for risk of neutropenia, agranulocytosis, or pancytopenia, or have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(1-25) In pooled clinical studies submitted to the FDA, 6.1% of deferiprone patients met criteria for neutropenia and 1.7% of patients developed agranulocytosis.(1) The time to onset of agranulocytosis was highly variable with a range of 65 days to 9.2 years (median, 161 days).(3) |
DEFERIPRONE, DEFERIPRONE (3 TIMES A DAY), FERRIPROX, FERRIPROX (2 TIMES A DAY), FERRIPROX (3 TIMES A DAY) |
| Tofacitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants use may increase the risk of serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Tofacitinib should not be used concurrently with azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or cyclosporine.(1) Patient should be monitored for decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils. Therapy should be adjusted based on the indication. - For all indications: If absolute neutrophil count (ANC) or lymphocyte count is less than 500 cells/mm3, discontinue tofacitinib. - For rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily. - For ulcerative colitis and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: -If taking Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily, decrease to 5 mg twice daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 10 mg twice daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 5 mg twice daily. -If taking Xeljanz XR 22 mg once daily, decrease to 11 mg once daily. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, increase to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response. -If taking Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3, resume 11 mg once daily. - For polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) and ANC 500 to 1000 cells/mm3: interrupt dosing until ANC is greater than 1000 cells/mm3.(1) DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of tofacitinib and azathioprine, other biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants may increase the risk of infection.(1) |
TOFACITINIB CITRATE, XELJANZ, XELJANZ XR |
| Clozapine/Selected Myelosuppressive Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine and other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1-2) For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2) DISCUSSION: Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(3-26) |
CLOZAPINE, CLOZAPINE ODT, CLOZARIL, VERSACLOZ |
| Upadacitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Upadacitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of upadacitinib states that concurrent use of upadacitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators is not recommended. DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. Reported infections included pneumonia, cellulitis, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/esophageal candidiasis, cryptococcosis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation and hepatitis B reactivation, were reported in clinical studies with upadacitinib.(1) |
RINVOQ, RINVOQ LQ |
| Inebilizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inebilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in myelosuppression including neutropenia resulting in an increased risk for serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of inebilizumab states that the concurrent use of inebilizumab with immunosuppressive agents, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1) DISCUSSION: Inebilizumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents. The most common infections reported by inebilizumab treated patients in the randomized and open-label clinical trial periods included urinary tract infections (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infections (8%), and influenza (7%). Although there been no cases of Hepatitis B virus reactivation or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy reported in patients taking inebilizumab, these infections have been observed in patients taking other B-cell-depleting antibodies.(1) |
UPLIZNA |
| Baricitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine may increase the risk of serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of baricitinib states that concurrent use of baricitinib with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1) DISCUSSION: Most patients who developed serious infections while being treated with baricitinib were on concomitant immunosuppressants like methotrexate and corticosteroids. The combination of baricitinib with other biologic DMARDs has not been studied.(1) |
OLUMIANT |
| Leflunomide; Teriflunomide/Selected Immunosuppressants SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide and potent immunosuppressants may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1,2) Leflunomide is a prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite teriflunomide.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of leflunomide or teriflunomide with immunosuppressants may result in an increased risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, tuberculosis (including extra-pulmonary tuberculosis), and aspergillosis. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If leflunomide or teriflunomide is used concurrently with immunosuppressive agents, chronic CBC monitoring should be performed more frequently, every month instead of every 6 to 8 weeks. If bone marrow suppression or a serious infection occurs, leflunomide or teriflunomide should be stopped and rapid drug elimination procedure should be performed.(1,2) DISCUSSION: Pancytopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide alone, but most frequently in patients taking concurrent immunosuppressants.(1,2) Severe and potentially fatal infections, including sepsis, have been reported in patients receiving leflunomide or teriflunomide, especially Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and aspergillosis. Tuberculosis has also been reported.(1,2) |
ARAVA, AUBAGIO, LEFLUNICLO, LEFLUNOMIDE, TERIFLUNOMIDE |
| Sodium Iodide I 131/Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sodium iodide I 131 can cause depression of the hematopoetic system. Myelosuppressives and immunomodulators also suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium iodide I 131 with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives or immunomodulators, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sodium iodide I 131 states that concurrent use with bone marrow depressants may enhance the depression of the hematopoetic system caused by large doses of sodium iodide I 131.(1) Sodium iodide I 131 causes a dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in the 3 to 5 weeks following administration. Patients may be at increased risk of infections or bleeding during this time. Monitor complete blood counts within one month of therapy. If results indicate leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, dosimetry should be used to determine a safe sodium iodide I 131 activity.(1) DISCUSSION: Hematologic disorders including death have been reported with sodium iodide I 131. The most common hematologic disorders reported include anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.(1) |
HICON, SODIUM IODIDE I-131 |
| IgG Antibodies and Derivatives/Efgartigimod-alfa SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Efgartigimod-alfa binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of efgartigimod-alfa states that efgartigimod-alfa should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, efgartigimod-alfa should be discontinued.(3) DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with efgartigimod-alfa have not been performed. Efgartigimod-alfa may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3) |
VYVGART, VYVGART HYTRULO |
| Anifrolumab/Biologic Therapies SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies may increase the risk of serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies is not recommended.(1) DISCUSSION: The combination of anifrolumab with other biologic therapies has not been studied and is not recommended.(1) |
SAPHNELO |
| Ritlecitinib/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ritlecitinib, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ritlecitinib with immunosuppressives or immunomodulators may result in an increased risk of serious infections. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ritlecitinib states that concurrent use of ritlecitinib with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.(1) DISCUSSION: Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving ritlecitinib. Reported infections included appendicitis, COVID-19 infection (including pneumonia), and sepsis. Reports of viral reactivation, including herpes virus reactivation was reported in clinical studies with ritlecitinib.(1) |
LITFULO |
| Ropeginterferon alfa-2b/Slt Immunosuppress; Immunomodulator SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b and immunosuppressives both suppress the immune system. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ropeginterferon alfa-2b with immunosuppressives may result in an increased risk of serious infections. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent use of myelosuppressive agents.(1-2) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor for effects of excessive immunosuppression. DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 20% of patients experienced leukopenia. Interferon alfa products may cause fatal or life-threatening infections.(1-2) |
BESREMI |
| IgG Antibodies and Derivatives/Nipocalimab-aahu SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Nipocalimab-aahu binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nipocalimab-aahu states that nipocalimab-aahu should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, nipocalimab-aahu should be discontinued.(3) DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with nipocalimab-aahu have not been performed. Nipocalimab-aahu may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3) |
IMAAVY |
There are 7 moderate interactions.
The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Ustekinumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ustekinumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ustekinumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ustekinumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1) DISCUSSION: Ustekinumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants in psoriasis studies. In psoriatic arthritis studies, concomitant methotrexate use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies, concomitant use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by ustekinumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included nasopharyngitis(8%) and upper respiratory tract infection(5%). Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ustekinumab. Cases of interstitial pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia resulting in respiratory failure or prolonged hospitalization have been reported in patients receiving ustekinumab.(1) |
OTULFI, PYZCHIVA, SELARSDI, STELARA, STEQEYMA, USTEKINUMAB, USTEKINUMAB-AEKN, USTEKINUMAB-TTWE, WEZLANA, YESINTEK |
| COVID-19 Vaccines/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators may prevent the immune system from properly responding to the COVID-19 vaccine.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of a COVID-19 vaccine with immunosuppressants or immunomodulators may interfere with vaccine-induced immune response and impair the efficacy of the vaccine. However, patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In an effort to optimize COVID-19 vaccine response, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published conditional recommendations for administration of COVID-19 vaccines with immunosuppressants and immunomodulators.(1) The CDC also provides clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccination in patients on immunosuppressants.(2) The CDC states that all immunocompromised patients over 6 months of age should receive at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. See the CDC's Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines for specific recommendations based on age, vaccination history, and vaccine manufacturer.(2) The ACR states that in general, immunosuppressants and immunomodulators should be held for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose. See below for specific recommendations for certain agents.(1) The CDC advises planning for vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting or resuming immunosuppressive therapy.(2) Patients should be offered and given a COVID-19 vaccine even if the use and timing of immunosuppressive agents cannot be adjusted.(1,2) B-cell depleting agents, including rituximab: The ACR recommends consulting with the rheumatologist to determine optimal timing of COVID-19 vaccination. Measuring CD19 B cells may be considered to determine need for a booster vaccine dose. If B cell levels are not measured, a supplemental vaccine dose 2-4 weeks before the next scheduled dose of rituximab is recommended.(1) The CDC states that the utility of B-cell quantification to guide clinical care is not known and is not recommended. Patients who receive B-cell depleting therapy should receive COVID-19 vaccines about 4 weeks before the next scheduled dose. For patients who received 1 or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine during treatment with B-cell-depleting therapies that were administered over a limited period (e.g., as part of a treatment regimen for certain malignancies), revaccination may be considered. The suggested interval to start revaccination is about 6 months after completion of the B-cell-depleting therapy.(2) Abatacept: - Subcutaneous abatacept should be withheld for 1-2 weeks after each vaccine dose, as disease activity allows. - For intravenous abatacept, time administration so that vaccination will occur 1 week before the next abatacept infusion.(1) Cyclophosphamide: When feasible, administer cyclophosphamide one week after each COVID-19 vaccine dose.(1) Recipients of hematopoietic cell transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy who received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine prior to or during treatment should undergo revaccination following the current CDC recommendations for unvaccinated patients. Revaccination should start at least 3 months (12 weeks) after transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy.(2) TNF-alpha inhibitors and cytokine inhibitors: The ACR was not able to reach consensus on whether to modify dosing or timing of these agents with COVID-19 vaccination.(1) The CDC includes these agents in their general recommendation to hold therapy for at least 2 weeks following vaccination.(2) DISCUSSION: The ACR convened a COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Task Force to provide guidance on optimal use of COVID-19 vaccines in rheumatology patients. These recommendations are based on limited clinical evidence of COVID-19 vaccines in patients without rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders and evidence of other vaccines in this patient population.(1) The ACR recommendation for rituximab is based on studies of humoral immunity following receipt of other vaccines. These studies have uncertain generalizability to vaccination against COVID-19, as it is unknown if efficacy is attributable to induction of host T cells versus B cell (antibody-based) immunity.(1) The ACR recommendation for mycophenolate is based on preexisting data of mycophenolate on non-COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity. Emerging data suggests that mycophenolate may impair SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease and transplant patients.(1) The ACR recommendation for methotrexate is based on data from influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines with methotrexate.(1) The ACR recommendation for JAK inhibitors is based on concerns related to the effects of JAK inhibitors on interferon signaling that may result in a diminished vaccine response.(1) The ACR recommendation for subcutaneous abatacept is based on several studies suggesting a negative effect of abatacept on vaccine immunogenicity. The first vaccine dose primes naive T cells, naive T cell priming is inhibited by CTLA-4, and abatacept is a CTLA-4Ig construct. CTLA-4 should not inhibit boosts of already primed T cells at the time of the second vaccine dose.(1) |
COMIRNATY 2024-2025, MODERNA COVID 24-25(6M-11Y)EUA, NOVAVAX COVID 2024-2025 (EUA), PFIZER COVID 2024-25(5-11Y)EUA, PFIZER COVID 2024-25(6M-4Y)EUA, SPIKEVAX 2024-2025 |
| Sarilumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sarilumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sarilumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of sarilumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1) DISCUSSION: Sarilumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate or conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis studies. Sarilumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by sarilumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia and cellulitis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving sarilumab. Cases of tuberculosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystis with sarilumab have been reported.(1) |
KEVZARA |
| Ublituximab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ublituximab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ublituximab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ublituximab recommends caution because the concurrent use of ublituximab with immunomodulating or immunosuppressive agents, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents. When switching from agents with immune effects, the half-life and mechanism of action of these drugs must be taken into consideration in order to prevent additive immunosuppressive effects.(1) DISCUSSION: The most common infections reported by ublituximab-treated patients in the clinical trial periods included upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial and viral infections were observed in patients receiving ublituximab.(1) Serious and/or fatal bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections have been associated with other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies. There were no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) reported during the clinical trials; however, there have been reports of PML during or following completion of other anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies.(1) |
BRIUMVI |
| Belimumab/Biologic Therapies SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies may result in additive or synergistic effects on the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies may increase the risk of serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of belimumab with other biologic therapies should be approached with caution.(1) DISCUSSION: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, more patients who received belimumab and rituximab experienced serious adverse events, serious infections, and post-injection systemic reactions (22.2%, 9%, and 13.2%, respectively) than patients who received belimumab with placebo (13.9%, 2.8%, 9.7%) or standard therapy (19.7%, 5.3%, 5.3%).(1) The combination of belimumab with other biologic therapies has not been studied and should be used cautiously.(1) |
BENLYSTA |
| IgG Antibodies and Derivatives/Rozanolixizumab-noli SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Rozanolixizumab-noli binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medications that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of rozanolixizumab-noli states that concurrent use with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) should be closely monitored for reduced effectiveness of these medications. If long-term use of such medications is essential for the patient, consider discontinuing rozanolixizumab-noli and use alternative therapies.(3) DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with rozanolixizumab-noli have not been performed. Rozanolixizumab-noli may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3) |
RYSTIGGO |
| Tocilizumab/Immunosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tocilizumab, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators all suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents may result in an increased risk for serious infections.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tocilizumab recommends caution because the concurrent use of tocilizumab with immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infection. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the risk of additive immune suppression and monitor based on prescribing information for both agents.(1) DISCUSSION: Tocilizumab was studied as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate, non-biologic DMARDs or corticosteroids, depending on the indication. Tocilizumab has not been studied with biological DMARDs and concurrent use should be avoided. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive risks from both agents.(1) The most common infections reported by tocilizumab treated patients in the clinical trial periods included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving tocilizumab. Cases of tuberculosis, cryptococcus, aspergillosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystosis have been reported.(1) |
ACTEMRA, ACTEMRA ACTPEN, TOFIDENCE, TYENNE, TYENNE AUTOINJECTOR |
The following contraindication information is available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
Drug contraindication overview.
*Patients with known hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to alemtuzumab or any excipients in the formulation. *Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because the drug can cause prolonged reductions in CD4+ T-cell counts. *Patients with active infection.
*Patients with known hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to alemtuzumab or any excipients in the formulation. *Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because the drug can cause prolonged reductions in CD4+ T-cell counts. *Patients with active infection.
There are 3 contraindications.
Absolute contraindication.
| Contraindication List |
|---|
| HIV infection |
| Lactation |
| Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy |
There are 16 severe contraindications.
Adequate patient monitoring is recommended for safer drug use.
| Severe List |
|---|
| Active tuberculosis |
| Acute thromboembolic stroke |
| Aplastic anemia |
| Bacterial infection |
| Cervicocephalic arterial dissection |
| Glomerulonephritis |
| Hemorrhagic stroke |
| Herpes simplex infection |
| Herpes zoster |
| Inactive tuberculosis |
| Infection |
| Listeriosis |
| Malignancy |
| Pregnancy |
| Protozoal infection |
| Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura |
There are 10 moderate contraindications.
Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.
| Moderate List |
|---|
| Chronic hepatitis B |
| Chronic hepatitis C |
| Hemolytic anemia |
| Hyperthyroidism |
| Hypothyroidism |
| Interstitial pneumonitis |
| Lymphopenia |
| Neutropenic disorder |
| Pancytopenia |
| Thrombocytopenic disorder |
The following adverse reaction information is available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
Adverse reaction overview.
Adverse effects reported in 10% or more of patients receiving alemtuzumab and with an incidence greater than interferon beta-1a in clinical studies of patients with MS include rash, headache, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, nausea, urinary tract infection, fatigue, insomnia, upper respiratory tract infection, herpes virus infection, urticaria, pruritus, thyroid disorders, fungal infection, arthralgia, extremity pain, back pain, diarrhea, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, paresthesia, dizziness, abdominal pain, flushing, and vomiting.
Adverse effects reported in 10% or more of patients receiving alemtuzumab and with an incidence greater than interferon beta-1a in clinical studies of patients with MS include rash, headache, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, nausea, urinary tract infection, fatigue, insomnia, upper respiratory tract infection, herpes virus infection, urticaria, pruritus, thyroid disorders, fungal infection, arthralgia, extremity pain, back pain, diarrhea, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, paresthesia, dizziness, abdominal pain, flushing, and vomiting.
There are 94 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Anemia Cardiac arrhythmia Cytokine release syndrome Fever Infection Lymphopenia Neutropenic disorder Thrombocytopenic disorder Wheezing |
Bacterial infection Bacterial sepsis Fungal infection Herpes zoster Hypersensitivity drug reaction Hypertension Hyperthyroidism Hypotension Hypothyroidism Influenza Pneumonia Viral infection |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Abnormal hepatic function tests Acquired coagulation factor inhibitor disorder Active tuberculosis Acute cholecystitis without calculus Acute myocardial infarction Acute respiratory distress syndrome Acute respiratory failure Adult-onset still's disease Alveolar hemorrhage Anaphylaxis Angina Angioedema Aplastic anemia Arterial dissection Aspergillosis Atrial fibrillation Autoimmune encephalitis Autoimmune hemolytic anemia Autoimmune hepatitis Bone marrow hypoplasia Bronchospastic pulmonary disease Burkitt's lymphoma Cardiac arrest Cardiomyopathy Castleman's disease Cerebrovascular accident Cervicocephalic arterial dissection Chronic heart failure Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy Coccidioidomycosis Colitis Cytomegalovirus disease Eaton-lambert syndrome Eosinophilia Glomerulonephritis Goiter Goodpasture's syndrome Graves' disease Guillain-barre syndrome Hashimoto thyroiditis Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis Hemorrhagic stroke Histoplasmosis Human papillomavirus infection Hyperbilirubinemia Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Infectious mononucleosis Interstitial pneumonitis Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr) Listeriosis Malignant lymphoma Malignant melanoma Myasthenia gravis Nocardiosis Opportunistic viral infection Optic neuropathy Pancytopenia Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Pulmonary hemorrhage Pulmonary infiltrates Rheumatoid arthritis Sarcoidosis Serum sickness Sinus bradycardia Suicidal Suicidal ideation Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura Thyroid carcinoma Thyroiditis Tumor lysis syndrome Vasculitis |
There are 42 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Arthralgia Bronchitis Chills Dizziness Dyspnea Fatigue Headache disorder Nausea Pain in oropharynx Paresthesia Pharyngitis Pruritus of skin Sinusitis Skin rash Tachycardia Urinary tract infection Urticaria Vomiting |
Acute abdominal pain Anorexia Diarrhea Dysesthesia Erythema Flushing Herpes simplex infection Insomnia Oral candidiasis Stomatitis Symptoms of anxiety Vulvovaginal candidiasis |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Alopecia Cholecystitis Conjunctivitis Dry eye Musculoskeletal pain Ocular pain Periorbital edema Photophobia Purpura Tinnitus Tremor Visual changes |
The following precautions are available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 17 years of age. Use of the drug is not recommended in pediatric patients because of the potential for serious adverse effects (e.g., autoimmunity, infusion reactions, stroke, malignancies).
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
There are no adequate data in pregnant women to determine whether there are any developmental risks associated with alemtuzumab. Animal reproductive studies have not shown any evidence of teratogenicity; however, embryolethality was observed. A pregnancy surveillance program has been established; if alemtuzumab exposure occurs during pregnancy, clinicians and patients are encouraged to report the pregnancy by calling800-745-4447, option 2.
Alemtuzumab therapy may induce autoimmune thyroid disorders, which can increase the risk of complications in pregnant women. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women can increase the risk of miscarriage and may have adverse effects on the fetus, including mental retardation and dwarfism. Because autoantibodies can cross the placenta, placental transfer of antithyrotropin receptor antibodies may occur in pregnant women who develop Graves' disease following alemtuzumab therapy. At least one case of neonatal Graves' disease with thyroid storm was reported as a result of such placental transfer.
Alemtuzumab therapy may induce autoimmune thyroid disorders, which can increase the risk of complications in pregnant women. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women can increase the risk of miscarriage and may have adverse effects on the fetus, including mental retardation and dwarfism. Because autoantibodies can cross the placenta, placental transfer of antithyrotropin receptor antibodies may occur in pregnant women who develop Graves' disease following alemtuzumab therapy. At least one case of neonatal Graves' disease with thyroid storm was reported as a result of such placental transfer.
Alemtuzumab is distributed into milk in animals. It is not known whether the drug is distributed into human milk. The effects of alemtuzumab on nursing infants or on milk production are not known. The known benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the woman's clinical need for alemtuzumab and any potential adverse effects of the drug or disease on the breast-fed infant.
Clinical studies of alemtuzumab for the management of MS did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age or older to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients.
The following prioritized warning is available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab):
WARNING: This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets). This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes), easy bruising/bleeding, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
This medication may also cause very serious kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, or swelling ankles/feet. Serious (rarely fatal) infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for 24 hours or more afterward.
Your doctor will prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as headache, fever, chills, flushing, mild rash/itching, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, tiredness, or dizziness. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects.
This medication may also cause a stroke, or tears in the blood vessels in the head and neck, especially within the first 3 days after receiving treatment. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, drooping of the face, neck pain, sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, or confusion. This medication may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as thyroid, skin, blood).
Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, unusual/lasting hoarseness, unusual skin changes, change in appearance or size of moles. Your doctor will monitor you closely to decrease the risk of these serious side effects. To receive alemtuzumab in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
WARNING: This medication may cause very serious (rarely fatal) blood disorders (low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets). This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes), easy bruising/bleeding, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
This medication may also cause very serious kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine, or swelling ankles/feet. Serious (rarely fatal) infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for 24 hours or more afterward.
Your doctor will prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as headache, fever, chills, flushing, mild rash/itching, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, tiredness, or dizziness. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects.
This medication may also cause a stroke, or tears in the blood vessels in the head and neck, especially within the first 3 days after receiving treatment. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, drooping of the face, neck pain, sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, or confusion. This medication may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as thyroid, skin, blood).
Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, unusual/lasting hoarseness, unusual skin changes, change in appearance or size of moles. Your doctor will monitor you closely to decrease the risk of these serious side effects. To receive alemtuzumab in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
The following icd codes are available for LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab)'s list of indications:
| Relapsing form of multiple sclerosis | |
| G35 | Multiple sclerosis |
| Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis | |
| G35 | Multiple sclerosis |
Formulary Reference Tool