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Efalizumab - Learn about Efalizumab Side Effects and Precautions

Efalizumab Information

The pharmacology action of Efalizumab is that it inhibits binding of leukocyte function antigen-1 to intercellular adhesion molecule-1, thereby interfering with the adhesion of leukocytes to other cell types.

Efalizumab is used in treatment of chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Interaction and Contraindication of Efalizumab

Interaction of Efalizumab - Immunosuppressive agents:  Do not use efalizumab with other immunosuppressive agents.
Live vaccines (eg, acellular, live, live-attenuated):  Do not use during efalizumab therapy.

Contraindication of Efalizumab - Not Available

Side Effects of Efalizumab

Here are the list of some common side effects of Efalizumab :

• Headache (32%).
• Acne (4%); psoriasis (1% or 2% greater than placebo).
• Thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis (40%); leukocytosis (26%); elevated alkaline phosphatase (4%); elevated LFTs.
• Myalgia (8%); arthralgia (1% or 2% greater than placebo).
• Infection (29%); chills (13%); pain (10%); flu-like syndrome, fever (7%); back pain (4%); asthenia, peripheral edema, hypersensitivity (1% or 2% greater than placebo).

Precaution and Warning while taking Efalizumab

The precaution and warnings of Efalizumab drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to read the patient package insert before starting therapy and with each refill.
• Ensure that the patient or caregiver understands how to store, prepare, and administer the dose, and dispose of used equipment and supplies if administering at home. The first injection should be performed under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
• Advise patient that if a dose is missed to contact health care provider to find out when the next dose should be taken and what schedule to follow after that.
• Advise patient to notify health care provider if psoriasis is not improving or appears to be worsening. Caution patient not to change the dose or stop taking unless advised by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to continue taking other psoriasis medications as prescribed by health care provider.
• Advise patient to report any of the following to health care provider: intolerable injection site reactions, fever or other signs of infection, sore throat, rash, itching, hives, unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, easy bleeding from gums, unexplained bruising, small purple spots under the skin.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
• Remind patient that office visits and laboratory tests will be required to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

How to store Efalizumab

• Reconstitute powder for injection following manufacturer's guidelines using the prefilled diluent syringe provided with medication.
• Do not shake the vial during reconstitution or reconstitute with diluents other than those supplied or add other medications to vial.
• Reconstituted solution should be administered immediately after reconstitution but can be stored, if necessary, for up to 8 hr at room temperature.
• Dose is usually administered every week.
• Do not administer if particulate matter, cloudiness, or discoloration noted.
• Rotate injection sites (thigh, buttocks, abdomen, upper arm). Give new injections at least 1 inch from previous site and never into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
• Discard any unused solution or reconstituted solution that is not used within 8 hr of dilution. Do not save for future administration.
• Store vials in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Store in original carton until time of use. Protect from light.