alefacept Health Article

Generic name(s):

alefacept

Brand name(s):

Amevive

What is the most important information I should know about alefacept?

Patients with HIV should not take alefacept. Talk to your doctor before taking alefacept if you are HIV positive.

Alefacept reduces levels of certain white blood cells in the body. If the level of these white blood cells falls too low, treatment with alefacept may need to be withheld temporarily or discontinued. Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell levels during treatment.

Alefacept may increase the risk of developing cancer. Do not use alefacept without first talking to your doctor if you have cancer or a history of cancer. Alefacept reduces certain actions of the immune system and may increase the risk of developing a new infection or reactivating a chronic infection that has been latent (inactive). Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of an infection such as fever or chills, sore throat, coughing, or burning with urination.

What is alefacept?

Alefacept is a protein that reduces specific actions of the immune system that are involved in causing psoriasis.

Alefacept is used for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in people who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Alefacept may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using alefacept?

Patients with HIV should not take alefacept. Talk to your doctor before taking alefacept if you are HIV positive. Do not use alefacept without first talking to your doctor if you

• have had a previous allergic reaction to alefacept;

• have heart or blood vessel problems;

• have cancer or a history of cancer;

• have an infection or a history of chronic infection; or

• are taking another immunosuppressive medication or are receiving phototherapy.

You may not be able to use alefacept, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Alefacept is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use alefacept without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether alefacept passes into breast milk. Do not use alefacept without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use alefacept?

Use alefacept exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Alefacept is administered by a healthcare provider as an intravenous (into the vein) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection.

Alefacept is usually administered once a week for a twelve week period. Your doctor will give you detailed information on the best treatment regimen for you.

It is important to use alefacept regularly to get the most benefit.

Alefacept reduces levels of certain white blood cells in the body. If the level of these white blood cells falls too low, treatment with alefacept may need to be withheld temporarily or discontinued. Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell levels during treatment.

Your doctor will want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with alefacept to monitor progress and side effects

Alefacept will be stored by your healthcare provider as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of alefacept.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of alefacept is unlikely to threaten life. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if an overdose of alefacept is suspected.

Symptoms of an alefacept overdose may include chills, headache, joint pain, stuffy nose, and low white blood cell counts.