April 8, 2009 UPDATE: Genentech, Inc. has announced a phased voluntary withdrawal of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) from the U.S. market based on the association of Raptiva with an increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and usually fatal disease of the central nervous system. Raptiva is indicated for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults 18 years or older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Brand Name: Raptiva
Active Ingredient: Efalizumab
Strength(s): 125 mg
Dosage Form(s): subcutaneous injection
Company Name: Genentech, Inc
Availability: By Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: October 27, 2003
What is Raptiva used for?
Raptiva is a medicine used to treat adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis whose psoriasis is appropriate for treatment with whole body (systemic therapy) or phototherapy. Raptiva has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.
Who should not use Raptiva?
Do not use Raptiva if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Raptiva.
Special Warnings with Raptiva:
Raptiva can decrease the activity of your immune system. Therefore, people using Raptiva may have an increased chance of getting:
- serious infections
- cancers
- low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
- worsening of psoriasis
You should not receive vaccines while using Raptiva. Raptiva may prevent a vaccine from working.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Tell your health care provider if you:
- are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
- are breast feeding
- have any infections
- have immune system problems
- have had cancer
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you are using:
- other medicines or treatments for your psoriasis
- medicines called immunosuppressives or any medicine that affects your immune system
What are some possible side effects of Raptiva?
Note: (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Raptiva. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
The most common side effects of Raptiva include:
- headache
- chills
- fever
- nausea
- muscle aches
These reactions usually happen within the first 48 hours following Raptiva injection, and often decrease after the first few weeks of use of Raptiva. Back pain, joint pain, and swelling of the arms and legs (peripheral edema) can also happen with Raptiva.
For more detailed information about Raptiva, ask your health care provider.
Related Resources
- Raptiva (Efalizumab)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (Psoriasis)
- Raptiva Fails In Psoriatic Arthritis Trials
- Raptiva Fails In Rheumatoid Arthritis Trials
- FDA Approves Enbrel To Treat Psoriasis
Source: Raptiva Consumer Information, FDA, Posted 12/09/03
