What you need to know about the Alemtuzumab vaccine for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

If you are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you probably know all too well the challenges of living with it. So, one of the treatments available to control this disease is a vaccine called Alemtuzumab. Perhaps your doctor has told you about this drug, or you have heard about it. Today, we will talk about this drug called Alemtuzumab in simple, detailed terms, as if we were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Alemtuzumab?

Alemtuzumab is a vaccine that is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Now you may be wondering if this will cure the disease completely. Actually, this is not a cure for MS. But it does something very important.

Simply put, MS is a disease where our own immune system becomes overactive and attacks our own nervous system. So what this Alemtuzumab vaccine does is slow down that overactive immune system. It's like slowing down a speeding car. This helps control and delay the worsening of symptoms. It also reduces the number of flare-ups.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

This is very important. Before starting this medication, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your complete health history. This medication is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.

• Bleeding disorders: If you have a blood clotting problem or a bleeding disorder.
• Cancer: If you currently have cancer or have had it in the past (especially skin cancer).
• HIV or AIDS: Conditions like these that weaken the immune system.
• Other immune system problems: Any other autoimmune disease.
• Current infections: If you have any infection such as fever, cough, cold.
• Kidney or liver disease: If you have any medical condition related to your kidneys or liver.
• Recent or upcoming vaccinations: especially live virus vaccines like chickenpox.
• Thyroid diseases: Diseases of the thyroid gland that cause overactivity (Hyperthyroidism) or underactivity (Hypothyroidism).
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant: This medicine can be very harmful to the baby during pregnancy.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to this medicine, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, or dyes.

How can I give you this medicine?

This is not a medicine you can take home. Alemtuzumab is an injection that is injected into a vein. So it will be given to you in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a medical team.

When you start this treatment, you will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) with details about this medicine. Read it carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?

This treatment is given on a schedule. Therefore, it is very important to attend the appointments given by the doctor exactly. Do not miss any vaccinations for any reason. If for some reason you are unable to attend, call your medical team immediately and let them know.

What if I take too much medicine?

This is unlikely to happen as it is given in hospital. However, if you think you have somehow taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things you should be especially careful about while taking the medicine

You need to take great care of your health while taking this medicine.

• Regular medical monitoring: Your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will also order blood tests (blood work) at regular intervals. Don't skip these.
• Risk of infection: This medicine reduces the activity of the immune system, so you are at a higher risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you experience fever, body aches, sore throat, or cold-like symptoms, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Minimize your visits to places where sick people are as much as possible.
• Bleeding risk: This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding (e.g., from your gums, nose) or bruising.
• Serious brain infection: Very rarely, this medicine can cause a serious brain infection that can even lead to death. Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes or difficulty in your vision, thinking, speaking, walking, or balance .
• Pregnancy: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 4 months after stopping treatment. Talk to your doctor about appropriate birth control.

Side effects that may occur due to the medicine

Like any medicine, Alemtuzumab can cause side effects. Some are common, but others can be very serious. So it's important to be aware of these.

Side effects that are usually not serious

These usually go away in a few days. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor.

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Insomnia

Alemtuzumab, Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Neurological Disease, Immune System, MS Medication, Side Effects