Selenium - Campath (Alemtuzumab) Interaction
Herbal: Selenium
Drug: Alemtuzumab
Brand names:
Campath
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Alemtuzumab is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., and Famaey, J. P. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1323-1328.
- Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L., Roy, M., Wishe, H. I., Cohen, M. W., and Stotzky, G. Supplementation with selenium and human immune cell functions. II. Effect on cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;41(1-2):115-127.
Selenium Overview
Alemtuzumab Overview
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Alemtuzumab injection is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL; a slowly developing cancer in which too many of a certain type of white blood cell accumulate in the body). Alemtuzumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by activating the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
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Alemtuzumab is also available as an injection (Lemtrada) that is used to treat multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly; you may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). This monograph only gives information about alemtuzumab injection (Campath) for B-CLL. If you are receiving alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis, read the monograph entitled Alemtuzumab Injection (Multiple Sclerosis).
Selenium - More Interactions
Selenium interacts with 311 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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