efalizumab Health Article

Generic name(s):

efalizumab

Brand name(s):

Raptiva

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

Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported to occur during treatment with efalizumab. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.

Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as efalizumab may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Efalizumab may cause a decreased number of platelets in the blood, which could result in bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of low platelets such as unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots under the skin, easy bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, or black, bloody or tarry stools.

The use of efalizumab has been associated with new or worsening cases of psoriasis. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop a rash, skin condition, or worsening psoriasis during treatment with efalizumab.

What is efalizumab?

Efalizumab is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the actions of the body's immune system.

Efalizumab is used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Efalizumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Before using efalizumab, tell your doctor if you

• have any active or chronic viral, bacterial, or fungal infection;

• are receiving phototherapy; or

• have a suppressed immune system or take medications that may suppress the immune system (e.g., medicines to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ, some cancer medicines, others).

You may not be able to use efalizumab, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Efalizumab is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether efalizumab will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during, or in the six weeks following, treatment with efalizumab. If pregnancy occurs, your doctor may encourage enrollment in the Raptiva Pregnancy Registry which gathers information about women who become pregnant during or immediately following treatment with efalizumab. It is not known whether efalizumab passes into breast milk. Do not use efalizumab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.