Alefacept
Brand names: Amevive®
- Español:
- Inyección de alefacept
Alefacept injection
What is Alefacept injection?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• currently receiving vaccinations
• fever or infection
• an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy or HIV infection)
• an unusual reaction to alefacept, medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives or any human or hamster proteins
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Alefacept is for injection or infusion into the muscle or a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You will be given an infusion or injection once a week for 12 weeks.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with Alefacept?
• medicines that suppress the immune system
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Alefacept?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular checks on your white blood cells. The side effects of alefacept can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.
Alefacept will decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If prescribed for you, make sure to take antibiotics as directed.
Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had the oral polio vaccine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Alefacept?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain or tightness
• dark or brown urine
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fast or irregular heart beat
• loss of appetite
• low blood counts - alefacept may decrease the number of white blood cells. You may be at increased risk for infections.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• skin rash or itchy skin
• severe abdominal pain
• stomach pain (severe)
• swelling of your face or tongue
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
• vomiting
• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• chills
• cough
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• pain at the site of injection
Where can I keep my medicine?
Alefacept injection will be given to you in a hospital or clinic setting. You will not take this medicine at home.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
