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Efalizumab Injection

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Brand name(s): Raptiva®

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Efalizumab is used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red scaly patches form on some areas of the body). Efalizumab is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by stopping the action of cells in the body that cause the symptoms of psoriasis.

How should this medicine be used?

Efalizumab comes as a powder to mix with sterile water and inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected once a week. You should inject efalizumab on the same day every week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use efalizumab exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of efalizumab and increase your dose after 1 week.

Efalizumab controls chronic plaque psoriasis but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit of efalizumab. Do not stop taking efalizumab without talking to your doctor.

You can inject efalizumab yourself or have a friend or relative give the injections. Your doctor will train the person who will be injecting the medication, and will test him to be sure he can give the injection correctly. Be sure that you and the person who will be giving the injections read the manufacturer's information for the patient that comes with efalizumab before you use it for the first time at home.

If you are injecting efalizumab yourself, you can inject it anywhere on your thighs or stomach. If someone else will be giving you your injections, he or she can also inject it anywhere on the back of your upper arms or buttocks. To reduce the chances of soreness or redness, choose a different area for each injection. If your doctor has told you to use two injections for each dose, choose two spots that are at least 1 inch apart. Do not inject efalizumab near a vein that you can see through the surface of the skin. Try to inject efalizumab in skin that is free of symptoms of psoriasis.

Never reuse needles, syringes, vials of efalizumab, or syringes of sterile water. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. You can throw away used alcohol pads, needle caps, and vials in the trash. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do with the puncture-resistant container when it is full.

Never mix efalizumab powder with any liquid other than the sterile water provided. Never add any other medications to the syringe you will use to inject efalizumab.

To prepare and inject efalizumab, follow these steps:

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using efalizumab,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Call your doctor to find out when you should inject your next dose and what schedule you should follow after that. Never inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Efalizumab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

Efalizumab may increase the risk that you will develop cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.

Efalizumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the carton it came in, tightly closed, away from light, and out of reach of children. Store unopened blister trays of efalizumab in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them. You may store mixtures of efalizumab and water for up to 8 hours at room temperature. Throw away mixtures of efalizumab and water after 8 hours have passed and throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to efalizumab.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 07/01/2004


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