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Disease Modifying Therapy

Lemtrada

Brand name: Lemtrada.

Generic name: Alemtuzumab.

Who takes it?:

Adults who have Highly Active Relapsing Remitting MS despite a full and adequate course of treatment with at least one DMT. Or Rapidly Evolving Severe MS: 2 or more disabling relapses in 1 year and an increase in enhancing lesions or a significant increase in T2 lesions compared to previous scans.

Lemtrada reduces relapses by about 70%. Studies show that lesions are smaller with no new activity and it also slows down disability accumulation.

Lemtrada cannot be given if you have: and infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, history of a stroke/heart attack/angina, clotting disorders or other autoimmune diseases.

How is it given?:

Two courses of treatment

1^st course is five days of IV infusions at the QE.
2^nd course is three days of infusions at the QE 12 months after the 1^st

For each of these courses, you attend the QE as a day patient. Some people have chosen to stay near the QE, with relatives or in a hotel, financial support maybe available to support you in doing this (see Hereford MS Support Trust in the support network section).

Who Monitors it?:

Bloods are obtained after monthly up to 4 years after the 2^nd course of treatment. You will be informed when they are due, we will ask you either to attend your Gp practice or the MS Nurse home phlebotomy service will collect them.

The MS Nurse phlebotomy service, can come to your home environment or after negotiation with your employer, at your work place.

At each MS Nurse appointment you will be asked about your Lemtrada: