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Alefacept
Generic Name: Alefacept
Brand Name: Amevive
What is alefacept and why is it used?
Alefacept is a drug that suppresses the immune system in order to treat psoriasis. Scientists believe that the cause of psoriasis is an increase in the production of the T-lymphocytes immune cell relative to the attachment of antigen to the lymphocyte. As the stimulated T-lymphocytes grow rapidly and cause the rapid growth of the skin cells, this produces the skin plaques of psoriasis. The use of alefacept reduces possibility of T-lymphocytes being stimulated and produced. This is accomplished by attaching to the same area on the T-lymphocyte where the antigen attaches. Thus, the antigen is prevented from binding and activating the T-lymphocytes. Additionally, the T-lymphocytes that have already been produced find their life spans decreased once alefacept therapy begins. Alefacept does this by increasing the activity of another immune cell that has natural killer qualities in order to eradicate the T-lymphocytes.
Preparations
Alefacept is available by prescription only as either an injection intramuscular of 5.0 ml or intravenous single dose vials of 7.5 mg. It must be stored at room temperatures between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit. This drug is prescribed for adult patients who have moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
Plan of treatment
The customary dosage is 7.5 mg by intravenous injection or 15 mg by intramuscular injection once a week for a period of twelve weeks. Provided the T-lymphocyte levels of the patient are within normal range, the treatment plan can be repeated after an interval of twelve weeks without any treatment.
Drug Interactions
No studies have been conducted in this area, but since alefacept is an immune systems suppressant, no other medications of the same type should be used. There has been no evaluation performed concerning the use of alefacept during pregnancy, so it is advisable to follow your doctor’s advise if you are taking this drug prior to becoming pregnant. There have also been no evaluations concerning the use of this drug by nursing mothers, nor is it known whether alefacept enters breast milk. Again, consult you doctor on this and let him or her decide if it is safe for you to nurse while you are taking this drug.
Side effects
The most common side effects that you might experience while using alefacept include sore throat, dizziness, cough, nausea, itching, muscle aches, chills, pain, and redness, and swelling at the site of the injection,
The most serious side effects are a reduced count of the immune cells, infections, cancer, and allergic reactions. This drug should not be used by anyone who has a blood lymphocyte count that is less than 250 ml.
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