Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) Safety Monitoring in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) Safety Monitoring in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Lemtrada is one of the most complex medicines currently used to treat Multiple Sclerosis. That stated, much of the risk associated with the drugs can be largely mitigated by close participation with the REMS program. Below I outline the safety monitoring used at our center:

Before starting:
-examinations (derm, pap smear, thyroid/neck palpation.
-Labs: CBCPD, comprehensive metabolic profile, thyroid profile, a host of infectious labs (to ensure you're not infected prior to given you this medicine).

During infusion: starting day 1, we have you take acyclovir, an anti-viral medicine, twice daily. You'll continue this for many months. Your doctor can use your labs to tell you when it's safe to come off (when your CD4 is over 200!).

Also once monthly for 4 years after your last dose (so minimum 5 years) we dispatch a "nurse ninja" to your home or work to check urine and blood. These results are immediately sent to your provider to keep on top of any changes.

We require our patients to repeat the above mentioned labs once annually to ensure safety.

It's our belief that participation in this system, coupled with good patient eduction, is an effective way to help keep lemtrada treated PwMS safe. REMEMBER, this video is for educational purposes only, not intended to provider medical advice, and DOSEN'T replace talking to your provider.

Please leave your questions and comments below!

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Link To This Video:    • Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) Safety Monitor...