Raptiva

Generic name: Efalizumab

What is Raptiva?

Raptiva belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressives. These drugs decrease the activity of the immune system. Raptiva is prescribed for patients with severe plaque psoriasis (a skin disease that is caused, in part, by an overactive immune system) who can no longer control their disease with topical medicines.

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

Raptiva, like other immunosuppressive agents, has the potential to increase the risk of serious infections and cancer. Also, Raptiva likely increases the risk of getting progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain disease caused by a virus. Call your doctor immediately if you are diagnosed with cancer or if your psoriasis worsens. Also contact your doctor if you develop an infection, excessive bleeding, or unusual bruising.

Many people experience a reaction the first time they receive a dose of Raptiva. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and chills, which usually occur within two days following the first two injections.

Your psoriasis may worsen or new forms of psoriasis may appear while you're using Raptiva or after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen or if a new rash appears.

Raptiva may affect the ability of your blood to clot. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop bleeding gums, unusual bruising, or purplish-red spots on your skin.

Raptiva may increase the breakdown of your red blood cells and cause very low blood counts. Call your doctor right away if you feel lightheaded and weak, your skin and eyes turn yellow in color, or your urine turns red or dark.

Some patients have also had worsening or new arthritis while taking Raptiva. Tell your doctor if you have severe redness, pain, swelling, or stiffness of joints such as hands, knees, and ankles.

Cases of disorders that affect the nervous system have been reported in people taking Raptiva. Tell you doctor right away if these types of symptoms develop.

You should not receive vaccines while using Raptiva; because Raptiva may prevent vaccines from working.

Who should not take Raptiva?

Do not use Raptiva if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the medication.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Raptiva?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Raptiva. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have active or chronic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections; immune system problems; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: To avoid an allergic reaction the first time you inject Raptiva, the recommended initial dose is 0.7 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Thereafter, the recommended dose is 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, injected once a week. Individual doses should not exceed a total of 200 mg. Raptiva should be injected on the same day each week.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Raptiva in children has not been established.

How should I take Raptiva?

Raptiva is administered once a week, the same day each week, as an injection under the skin. If you will be giving the injection to yourself or another person, the doctor will instruct you on how to prepare and inject the medication. The usual sites for injection are the upper leg, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks. The injection site should be rotated each week. Do not change the dose or stop taking Raptiva without first talking to your doctor.

Once Raptiva has been mixed, it should be used right away. If you are unable to inject the medication immediately, you may let the mixture sit at room temperature for up to eight hours before injecting it. Do not use the mixture once eight hours have passed.

What should I avoid while taking Raptiva?

You should not receive vaccines while using Raptiva. Raptiva may prevent a vaccine from working. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need to receive a vaccine while using Raptiva.

Do not undergo phototherapy while taking Raptiva.

Throw away all syringes and needles after one use. Do not save them for later.

Do not use the solution if it appears discolored or has particles floating in it. Throw it out and mix a new solution instead.

You should not take other medications that are known as immunosuppressives.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Raptiva?

If Raptiva is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Raptiva with vaccines or immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or methotrexate.

What are the possible side effects of Raptiva?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: back pain, chills, fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, swelling of the arms and legs

These are not all the side effects of Raptiva. If you experience a side effect that concerns you or if you get an infection, call your healthcare provider.

Can I receive Raptiva if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Raptiva during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Raptiva?

Call your doctor to find out when to take your next dose and what schedule you should follow after that.

How should I store Raptiva?

Raptiva should be stored in its original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the medication. Protect the vial from exposure to light. Throw away Raptiva vials that are out of date.