EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable)
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EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Drug and Prescription Information
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable)
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Medication Classification
EFALIZUMAB (Injection)
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Brandname
Raptiva
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) is used for the Treatment
Efalizumab (e-fa-li-ZOO-mab) Treats psoriasis in adults.
When To Not Use EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable)
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to efalizumab.
How Should You Use EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable)
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
- Your dose of this medicine will depend on how much you weigh. Be sure to tell your doctor if your weight changes at any time while you are using the medicine.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Proper EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Storage
Store EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor about all other treatments you are using for your psoriasis, including sunlamp or PUV light therapy. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
- Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving efalizumab. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while you are using this medicine or within 6 weeks after you stop using it.
- Tell your doctor about any infections you have had.
- When you first start using this medicine, you may have a headache, fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting, especially after your first dose. These symptoms usually clear up once you are using the medicine regularly.
- Tell your doctor if you want to stop using this medicine. Your psoriasis may become worse if you miss a dose or stop using the medicine altogether.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
- This medicine may increase your risk of getting some forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk if you have concerns.
EFALIZUMAB (Injection) (Injectable) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Changes in the size, color, or shape of a mole anywhere on your skin.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Redness, swelling, or pus-filled areas on your skin.
- Worsening of psoriasis. If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Headache.
- Back ache or muscle pain.
- Acne.
