Drug Detail:Raptiva (Efalizumab [ ef-a-liz-oo-mab ])
Drug Class: Selective immunosuppressants
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis
Genentech and the FDA notified healthcare professionals of the voluntary, phased withdrawal of efalizumab from the U.S. market due to a potential risk to patients of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By June 8, 2009, efalizumab will no longer be available in the United States. Prescribers are being asked not to initiate efalizumab treatment for any new patients. Prescribers should immediately begin discussing with patients currently using efalizumab how to transition to alternative therapies. The FDA strongly recommends that patients work with their health care professional to transition to alternative therapies for psoriasis. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the U.S.
Initial Dose: 0.7 mg/kg subcutaneously once.
Maintenance Dose: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously weekly.
A maximum single dosage has been imposed at 200 mg as recommended by the manufacturer.
The safety and efficacy of efalizumab therapy beyond one year have not been established.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Because efalizumab is an immunosuppressive agent, it has the potential to increase the risk of infection and reactivate latent, chronic infections. Caution is recommended when considering the use of efalizumab in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infections.
Efalizumab should not be administered to patients with clinically significant infections. New infections developing during efalizumab therapy should be monitored. If a patient develops a serious infection, the drug should be discontinued.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Sites for injection include the thigh, abdomen, buttocks, or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated.
Efalizumab is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. If appropriate, patients may self-inject efalizumab after proper training in the preparation and injection technique and with medical follow up.
