Raptiva Side Effects

A Raptiva package that contains vials and syringes to administer.

Allergic-type reactions (hives, breathing difficulty, swelling in face, lips, tongue, throat) should be immediately inspected by a medical professional.

Serious side effects

Decreased immune system function (immunosupression)
Increased sensitivity to light, pale/yellow skin, dark colored urine, confusion/weakness, purple spots on the skin, seizures, numbness in face and body and vision, speech, swallowing, bladder/bowel function problems with are all signs of a weakened central nervous system and the onset of progressive mulitfocal leukoencephalopathy (a rare brain and nervous system infection).
Serious infections (fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms) may occur such as skin infections (redness, tenderness, swelling) and respiratory infections (cough with yellow or green mucus, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing)
Easy injury and bleeding from a weakened immune system (nosebleeds, gum bleeds, mouth sores)
Bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, and invasive fungal disease may occur and can all weaken the immune system even greater
Hematologic problems such as anemia, low platelets, and low red blood cell count may cause bleeding and tumors
Worsening of the psoriasis
In extreme cases cancer may occur

Common side effects

headache, muscle pain, and nausea or vomiting/loss of appetite (especially after the first dose)
back pain, including joint pain and stiffness, and swelling in hands and feet
New or worsening arthritis

Warnings & Recalls for Raptiva

Raptiva withdrawal information

In 2009 the FDA withdrew Raptiva from the market due to the risk of patients developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Of the four cases of patients developing PML while taking Raptiva, three have died.For more information click here.

Other warnings

Seek immediate medical attention if signs and symptoms of PML (changes in mental state, problems with speech, walking and sight) develop, as they worsen quickly.
Patients receiving Raptiva should avoid colds, flu, or any contagious illness due to the susceptibility of dangerous infection with a weakened immune system.
No live vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, nasal flu) should be administered while the patient is receiving Raptiva. The patient should also avoid any other users of these vaccines.
Patients should not start using any new medication while on Raptiva without consulting their physician first.
Patients on Raptiva should consult a doctor if signs/symptoms of an infection occur. Infection can be prevented with regular check-ups (3-6 months).
Stopping the Raptiva treatment could result in serious side effects like the rapid and worsening return of psoriasis. If psoriasis worsens on its own with the Raptiva treatment, the patient should seek medical attention.
DO NOT USE RAPTIVA IF the patient has ever had an allergic reaction to Raptiva, if the patient has been previously diagnosed with PML, or if the patient has any serious infection.

Before using Raptiva:

the doctor should be aware of all medication being taken by the patient (especially those for the treatment of psoriasis or any other immunosuppressants)
the patient should be up to date on all vaccinations
the doctor should be aware if the patient has suffered from a chronic infection, a weakened immune system, arthritis, or cancer

Contraindications:No other immune-suppressing medications should be taken with Raptiva.

other psoriasis medications
cyclosporine
sirolimus, tacroliumus
basiliximab, muromonab-CD3
mycophenolate mofetil
azathioprine, leflunomide, etanercept

Vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other prescriptions may interfere with Raptiva. Medical opinion is recommended.

Family planning:It is not known if Raptiva will cause harm to the fetus therefore the patient and her doctor can decide if the benefits of using Raptiva during pregnancy will outweigh the risks. If a women should become pregnant while on Raptiva, the patient should not only consult her physician but also call 1-877-RAPTIVA to be included on the Raptiva Pregnancy Registry. The provided registry will help the patient understand the effects she may have while pregnant and on Raptiva. Patients should consult a doctor if she should become pregnant up to 6 weeks after discontinuing Raptiva and would also be encouraged to call the Raptiva Pregnancy Registry.

Nursing mothers should proceed with caution while using Raptiva, as it is not known if the drug will pass through breast milk. It is advised to stop Raptiva while breast feeding, unless it will cause more harm to the mother in which case breast feeding should be stopped.

Raptiva Treatment and Use

Raptiva | efalizumab is a subcutaneous (below the skin) injection used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis in patients at least 18 years of age.

How does Raptiva work?

When lymphocytes in the immune system over-produce skin cells, it leads to a condition known as psoriasis. Lymphocytes must bind to other cells through receptors on their surface in order to become functional and activated. The synthetic antibody (blood protein) Raptiva will prevent adhesion to a specific receptor and therefore prevent the unwanted activity of lymphocytes.

Dosage information for Raptiva

Raptiva is typically administered by a healthcare professional but some patients may choose to self-inject.

The recommended dose is a 0.7 mg/kg one-time conditioning dose that is proceeded by weekly doses of 1 mg/kg. It is recommended that a single dose not exceed a total of 200 mg.

Injections should be made in the thigh, abdomen, buttocks or upper arm and should be rotated with every use.

Other Names for Raptiva

Brand Name:

Raptiva

Generic Name:

Efalizumab