What is alefacept, and what is it used for?
Alefacept is an injectable drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment ofpsoriasis. Scientists believe thatpsoriasisis caused by an increase in the production of one type of immune cell, T-lymphocytes, in response to the attachment of a stimulant (antigen) to the lymphocyte. The stimulated T-lymphocytes cause skin cells to grow rapidly, and the rapid growth of the skin cells produces the skin plaques ofpsoriasis. Alefacept reduces the stimulation and production of T-lymphocytes by attaching to the site on the T-lymphocytes where the antigen attaches. This prevents the antigen from binding and activating the T-lymphocytes. Alefacept also decreases the life-span of T-lymphocytes that already have been produced by increasing the activity of another type of immune cell, natural killer cells, that kill T-lymphocytes. Alefacept was approved by the FDA in January 2003.
What brand names are available for alefacept?
Amevive
Is alefacept available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for alefacept?
Yes
What are the side effects of alefacept?
The most common side effects of alefacept are:
- sore throat,
- dizziness,
- cough,
- nausea,
- itching,
- muscle aches,
- chills,
- injection sitepainand
- injection site redness and swelling.
The most serious side effects are
- a reduction in the number of immune cells,
- liverfailure,
- serious opportunistic infections (for example,fungal infections),
- cancerand
- allergicreactions.
Alefacept should not be used by individuals whose blood lymphocyte counts are less than 250/ml.
What is the dosage for alefacept?
The recommended dose is 15 mg by intramuscular injection once weekly for 12 weeks. The treatment cycle can be repeated after a twelve week interval without treatment if the patient's T-lymphocyte counts are within the normal range.
Is alefacept safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use of alefacept bynursingmothers has not been adequately evaluated. It is not known whether alefacept is excreted inbreast milk.
What else should I know about alefacept?
What preparations of alefacept are available?
Powder for Injection: 15 mg/Vial for intramuscular use.
How should I keep alefacept stored?
Alefacept should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 C to 86 F).
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/psoriasis-s1-on-the-arm.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Types of Psoriasis: Medical Pictures and TreatmentsSee SlideshowSummary
Alefacept (Amevive) is a drug prescribed to treat adult patients with with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
多媒体:幻灯片、图片和测验
Related Disease Conditions
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
Scalp Psoriasis (Psoriasis of the Scalp)
Scalp psoriasis causes red, raised, scaly patches that may extend from the scalp to the forehead and the back of the neck and ears. Symptoms and signs include itching, hair loss, flaking, silvery scales, and red plaques. Treatment includes topical medicated shampoos, creams, gels, oils, ointments, and soaps, medications, and light therapy.
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