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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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In the U.S.—
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Alefacept ( a-LE-fa-sept) is used in adult patients to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. This medicine is for patients who have used other medicines that have not worked for their psoriasis.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alefacept the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alefacept. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Alefacept has not been studied in pregnant women. Alefacept has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Alefacept should be used with caution in pregnant women and should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss this with your doctor.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether alefacept passes into breast milk. Mothers who are taking this medicine and wish to breast feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of alefacept in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people and it may not be known if they work the same way they do in younger adults. Elderly people may have more age related problems than younger people and may need less of this medicine.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking alefacept it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Dosing—
The dose of alefacept may be different for different patients. Alefacept is usually given by a doctor or nurse. The following information includes only the average dose of alefacept.
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits for any blood problems or any other side effects that may be caused by this medicine.
It is important to check with your doctor if you have any symptoms of an infection such as fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
It is important to tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Your doctor may want you join a pregnancy registry for patients taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |