Alemtuzumab and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Alemtuzumab and Weed
Most people who consume marijuana do so for its mood-altering and relaxing abilities. Weed gives people a high and allows them to relax. However, heavy consumption of weed can cause unwanted results. It can increase the anxiety and depression a person experiences, and it can interact with certain other drugs including Alemtuzumab. It is important to remember that interactions do occur with all types of drugs, to a great or lesser extent and this article details the interactions of mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed.
Mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed
Alemtuzumab, sold under the brand names Campath and Lemtrada among others, is a medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple sclerosis. In CLL, it has been used as both a first line and second line treatment. In MS it is generally only recommended if other treatments have not worked. It is given by injection into a vein.
It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD52, a protein present on the surface of mature lymphocytes, but not on the stem cells from which these lymphocytes are derived. After treatment with alemtuzumab, these CD52-bearing lymphocytes are targeted for destruction.
Alemtuzumab was approved for medical use in the United States in 2001. (Mab)Campath was withdrawn from the markets in the US and Europe in 2012, to prepare for a higher-priced relaunch of Lemtrada aimed at multiple sclerosis.
Alemtuzumab is used for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) in people who have been treated with alkylating agents and who have failed fludarabine therapy. It is an unconjugated antibody, thought to work via the activation of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
It is used for the relapsing remitting form of multiple sclerosis. A 2017 Cochrane meta-analysis of studies comparing alemtuzumab to interferon beta 1a concluded that annual cycles of alemtuzumab probably reduces the proportion of people that experience relapse and may reduce the proportion of people who experience disability worsening and new T2 lesions on MRI, with adverse events found to be similarly high for both treatments. However the low-to-moderate levels of evidence in the included, existing studies were noted and the need for larger high-quality randomised, double‐blind, controlled trials comparing mono or combination therapy with alemtuzumab was highlighted. It is generally only recommended in people do not respond sufficiently to at least two other MS medications.
Alemtuzumab is contraindicated in patients who have active infections, underlying immunodeficiency (e.g., seropositive for HIV), or known type I hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to the substance.
In November 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Announcement warning about rare but serious instances of stroke and blood vessel wall tears in multiple sclerosis patients who have received Lemtrada (alemtuzumab), mostly occurring within 1 day of initiating treatment and leading in some cases to permanent disability and even death.
In addition to the 13 cases to which the FDA Safety Announcement refers, a further 5 cases of spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage have been retrospectively identified from four US multiple sclerosis centres in correspondence published online in February 2019.
On 12 April 2019, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported that it has started a review of the multiple sclerosis medicine Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) following new reports of immune-mediated conditions and of problems with the heart and blood vessels with this medicine, including fatal cases. PRAC advised that while the review is ongoing, Lemtrada should only be started in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis that is highly active despite treatment with at least two disease-modifying therapies (a type of multiple sclerosis medicine) or where other disease-modifying therapies cannot be used. PRAC further advised that patients being treated with Lemtrada who are benefitting from it may continue treatment in consultation with their doctor.
Very common adverse reactions associated with alemtuzumab infusion in MS patients include upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, herpes virus infections, lymphopenia, leucopenia, changes in thyroid function, tachycardia, skin rashes, pruritus, pyrexia, and fatigue. The Summary of Product Characteristics provided in the electronic Medicines Compendium [eMC ] further lists common and uncommon adverse reactions that have been reported for Lemtrada, which include serious opportunistic nocardial infections and cytomegalovirus syndrome.
Alemtuzumab can also precipitate autoimmune disease through the suppression of regulatory T cell populations and/or the emergence of autoreactive B-cells.
Cases of multiple sclerosis reactivation/relapse have also been reported
Alemtuzumab is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that is directed against the cell surface glycoprotein CD52.
In an in-vitro experiment, it has been shown that alemtuzumab has antiviral properties against HIV-1.
The origins of alemtuzumab date back to Campath-1 which was derived from the rat antibodies raised against human lymphocyte proteins by Herman Waldmann and colleagues in 1983. The name “Campath” derives from the pathology department of Cambridge University.
Initially, Campath-1 was not ideal for therapy because patients could, in theory, react against the foreign rat protein determinants of the antibody. To circumvent this problem, Greg Winter and his colleagues humanised Campath-1, by extracting the hypervariable loops that had specificity for CD52 and grafting them onto a human antibody framework. This became known as Campath-1H and serves as the basis for alemtuzumab.
While alemtuzumab started life as a laboratory tool for understanding the immune system, within a short time it was clinically investigated for use to improve the success of bone marrow transplants and as a treatment for leukaemia, lymphoma, vasculitis, organ transplants, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Campath as medication was first approved for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2001. It is marketed by Genzyme, which acquired the worldwide rights from Bayer AG in 2009. Genzyme was bought by Sanofi in 2011. In August/September 2012 Campath was withdrawn from the markets in the US and Europe. This was done to prevent off-label use of the drug to treat multiple sclerosis and to prepare for a relaunch under the trade name Lemtrada, with a different dosage aimed at multiple sclerosis treatment, this is expected to be much higher-priced.
Bayer reserves the right to co-promote Lemtrada for 5 years, with the option to renew for an additional five years.
In February 2011, Sanofi-Aventis, since renamed Sanofi, acquired Genzyme, the manufacturer of alemtuzumab. The acquisition was delayed by a dispute between the two companies regarding the value of alemtuzumab. The dispute was settled by the issuance of Contingent Value Rights, a type of stock warrant which pays a dividend only if alemtuzumab reaches certain sales targets. The contingent value rights (CVR) trade on the NASDAQ-GM market with the ticker symbol GCVRZ.
In August 2012, Genzyme surrendered the licence for all presentations of alemtuzumab, pending regulatory approval to re-introduce it as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Concerns that Genzyme would later bring to market the same product at a much higher price proved correct.
A 2009 retrospective study of alemtuzumab (10 mg IV weekly) in 20 patients (no controls) with severe steroid-resistant acute intestinal graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) demonstrated improvement. Overall response rate was 70%, with complete response in 35%. In this study, the median survival was 280 days. Important complications following this treatment included cytomegalovirus reactivation, bacterial infection, and invasive aspergillosis infection.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Alemtuzumab and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Alemtuzumab and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Alemtuzumab is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Alemtuzumab and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Alemtuzumab prescription if the individual is a weed smoker or user. Of course, this could be due to the lack of studies and research completed on the mixing of Alemtuzumab and Weed.
Heavy, long-term weed use is harmful for people. It alters the brain’s functions and structure, and all pharmaceuticals and drugs including Alemtuzumab are designed to have an impact on the brain. There is a misplaced belief that pharmaceuticals and medication work by treating only the parts of the body affected yet this is obviously not the case in terms of Alemtuzumab. For example, simple painkiller medication does not heal the injury, it simply interrupts the brains functions to receive the pain cause by the injury. To say then that two drugs, Alemtuzumab and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Alemtuzumab and Weed in the brain11.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/.
One of the milder side effects of mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed, describes a marijuana-induced condition where the user experiences episodes of violent vomiting, which are often so severe and painful that they cause the person to scream. The medical term for Scromiting by mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. For these reasons, some people choose to quit smoking weed.
It was first included in scientific reports in 2004. Since then, researchers have determined that Scromiting is the result of ongoing, long-term use of marijuana—particularly when the drug contains high levels of THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive ingredient. Some experts believe that the receptors in the gut become overstimulated by THC, thus causing the repeated cycles of vomiting.
In the long run, a person can become even more depressed. There is a belief that marijuana is all-natural and not harmful to a person’s health. This is not true and Alemtuzumab and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Alemtuzumab?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Alemtuzumab may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Alemtuzumab may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Alemtuzumab. Not having the right potency of Alemtuzumab means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Alemtuzumab medication that uses weed should speak to their doctor. It is important the doctor knows about a patient’s weed use, so they can prescribe the right Alemtuzumab medication and strength. Or depending on level of interactions they may opt to prescribe a totally different medication. It is important for the doctor to know about their patient’s marijuana use. Weed is being legalized around the US, so doctors should be open to speaking about a patient’s use of it.
Sideffects of Alemtuzumab and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed such as:
- Dizziness
- Sluggishness
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Hives
- Palpitations
- Respiratory Depression
- Cardiac Arrest
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Interestingly, it is impossible to tell what effect mixing this substance with Weed will have on an individual due to their own unique genetic make up and tolerance. It is never advisable to mix Alemtuzumab and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Alemtuzumab and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Alemtuzumab and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Alemtuzumab and Weed together
People who take Alemtuzumab and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Alemtuzumab and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Alemtuzumab or more Alemtuzumab in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Alemtuzumab will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Alemtuzumab may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Alemtuzumab and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Alemtuzumab
- nausea and vomiting due to Alemtuzumab and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Alemtuzumab leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Alemtuzumab
The primary effect of weed is influenced by an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is found in the spinal cord and brain stem, and by a reduction in its effect on neuronal transmitters. When weed is combined with Alemtuzumab this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Alemtuzumab affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Alemtuzumab and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Alemtuzumab can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Alemtuzumab and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Alemtuzumab and weed together
People who take Alemtuzumab and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Alemtuzumab with weed will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Alemtuzumab may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Alemtuzumab and weed
- dizziness from weed and Alemtuzumab
- nausea and vomiting of the Alemtuzumab
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Alemtuzumab leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Alemtuzumab
Taking Alemtuzumab in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Alemtuzumab and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Alemtuzumab in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Alemtuzumab when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Alemtuzumab and weed can lead to permanent changes in the brain22.G. Lafaye, L. Karila, L. Blecha and A. Benyamina, Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/.
Alemtuzumab Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Alemtuzumab and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Alemtuzumab and weed are combined. Severe and dangerous side effects can occur when medications are mixed in the system, and sleep disorders are a common side effect of taking weed and Alemtuzumab together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Alemtuzumab, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can occur. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most ER visits and hospitalizations caused by too much weed were associated with other substances such as Alemtuzumab.
How long after taking Alemtuzumab can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Alemtuzumab has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Alemtuzumab and weed
In the case of Overdose on Alemtuzumab or if you are worried after mixing Alemtuzumab and weed, call a first responder or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
If you are worried about someone who has taken too much Alemtuzumab or mixed weed with Alemtuzumab then call a first responder or take them to get immediate medical help. The best place for you or someone you care about in the case of a medical emergency is under medical supervision. Be sure to tell the medical team that there is a mix of Alemtuzumab and weed in their system.
Excessive Weed intake and result in scromiting, chs, and anxiety disorder. It is advisable to quit vaping weed if you are feeling these symptoms.
Mixing Alemtuzumab and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Alemtuzumab and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Alemtuzumab, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Alemtuzumab and antidepressants is almost nil. The reason for so little information on the side effects of the two is mostly down to marijuana being illegal in most places – although a number of states in the United States have legalized the drug.
Self-medicating with Weed and Alemtuzumab
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Alemtuzumab. How many? According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), in any given year, it is estimated that nearly 16 million adults experience depression. Unfortunately, that number is likely to be wrong due to under reporting. Many people do not report suffering from depression because they do not want to be looked at as suffering from a mental illness. The stigmas around mental health continue and people do not want to be labeled as depressed.
Potential side effects from mixing Alemtuzumab and weed
Quitting weed to take Alemtuzumab
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Alemtuzumab should not stop using weed cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms can be significant. Heavy pot users should especially avoid going cold turkey. The side effects of withdrawal from weed include anxiety, irritability, loss of sleep, change of appetite, and depression by quitting weed cold turkey and starting to take Alemtuzumab.
A person beginning to use Alemtuzumab should cut back on weed slowly. While reducing the amount of weed use, combine it with mindfulness techniques and/or yoga. Experts stress that non-medication can greatly improve a person’s mood.
Weed and Alemtuzumab can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Alemtuzumab may include:
- loss of motor skills
- poor or lack of coordination
- lowered blood pressure
- short-term memory loss
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- paranoia
- increased energy
- increased motivation
Mixing Alemtuzumab and weed can also produce hallucinations in users. This makes marijuana a hallucinogenic for some users. Weed creates different side effects in different people, making it a very potent drug. Now, mixing Alemtuzumab or other mental health drugs with weed can cause even more unwanted side effects.
Mixing drugs and weed conclusion
Long-term weed use can make depression and anxiety worse. In addition, using marijuana can prevent Alemtuzumab from working to their full potential33.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/. Weed consumption should be reduced gradually to get the most out of prescription medication. Marijuana is a drug and it is harmful to individual’s long-term health. Weed has many side effects and the consequences are different to each person who uses it, especially when mixed with Alemtuzumab.
If you take Alemtuzumab, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Alemtuzumab and Alcohol , Alemtuzumab and Cocaine as well as Alemtuzumab and MDMA here.
To find the effects of other drugs and weed refer to our Weed and Other Drugs Index A to L or our Weed and Other Drugs Index M-Z.
Or you could find what you are looking for in our Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z , Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z or our MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index A to L or MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index M to Z.
Alemtuzumab and Weed
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