Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) authorized for the treatment of adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Some recent significant safety findings for this MS drug safety findings include Lemtrada cardiovascular reactions and Lemtrada immune-mediated reactions.
The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued this document, “Lemtrada▼ (alemtuzumab): updated restrictions and strengthened monitoring requirements following review of serious cardiovascular and immune-mediated reactions”, on February 12, 2020. Here are its Lemtrada safety findings as regards the risks of cardiovascular events with Lemtrada use and immune-mediated reactions involving Lemtrada:
The review concluded that serious [ Lemtrada cardiovascular reactions ] can rarely occur within 1 to 3 days of [Lemtrada (alemtuzumab)] infusions in people without any identifiable risk factors. Reactions included myocardial ischaemia, cerebral haemorrhage, arterial dissection of the cervicocephalic arteries, pulmonary alveolar haemorrhage, and non-immune thrombocytopenia.
The review also found unpredictable and potentially fatal [ Lemtrata immune-mediated reactions ] can occur within months and up to at least 4 years after treatment with [Lemtrada (alemtuzumab)]. Reactions included autoimmune hepatitis, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and acquired haemophilia A. The review also identified serious cases of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation reported after treatment, including hepatitis. Some patients developed more than one autoimmune disorder following treatment.
We will continue to monitor the medical literature for reports of cardiovascular events with Lemtrada use and immune-mediated reactions involving Lemtrada.
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