Binds to CD52, a nonmodulating antigen present on the surface of essentially all B and T lymphocytes; a majority of monocytes, macrophages, and NK cells; and a subpopulation of granulocytes.

Alemtuzumab is initiated at a dose of 3 mg and administered as a two-hour IV infusion daily.

When the 3 mg daily dose is tolerated, the daily dose should be escalated to 10 mg and continued until tolerated.

When the 10 mg dose is tolerated, the maintenance dose of 30 mg may be initiated.

The maintenance dose is 30 mg/day administered three times per week on alternate days for up to 12 weeks.

Gradual escalation to the recommended maintenance dose is required at the initiation of therapy and after interruption of therapy for seven or more days.

Indicated for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Serious hematologic complications; serious infusion reactions; and serious, sometimes fatal, bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections have been reported in patients receiving alemtuzumab therapy.

Alemtuzumab has been associated with infusion-related events (e.g., hypotension, rigors, fever, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, chills, rash). To ameliorate or avoid infusion-related events, premedicate with an oral antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing, and monitor closely for infusion-related adverse events.

Careful monitoring of blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms is recommended.

Complete blood count and platelet count should be obtained at least weekly during therapy.