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IMPROTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare proefssional before using that drug.
ALEFACEPT - INTRAMUSCULAR
(al-EF-ah-sept)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amevive
USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
HOW TO USE: Use that medication eaxctly as prescribed.
This drug is given by intramuscular injection (IM) by a healthcare professional once weekly. All the preparation and administration instructions in the product packgae should be followed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're unclear on any information. Rotate injection sites. New ijnections should be given at least one inch from an old web site.
Do not injcet into areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red or hard. To prevent foaming of the medication, the bottle should not be shaken when the dose is perpared.
Do not use if the liquid contains particles or is discolored or cloudy.
Make sure needles and any medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.
Use that medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it on the same day each week.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, swelling, or bleeding at the injection web site may occur.
Dizziness, trhoat inflammation, increased cough, nausea, itching, muscle pain, or chills may also occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if that highly unilkely but really serious side effect occurs: chest pain. Though really unlikely, you may have a slightly increased risk of developing a cancer due to that medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as : unusual lumps, swollen glands, skin lesions/spots that are new or change appearance.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using that drug, such as: fever, chills, pesristent sore throat, trouble breathing, painful or frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth (oral thrush). An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaciton include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, cotnact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have cretain medical conditions. Before using that medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of cancer, atcive infections, currently receiving phototherapy. Before using that medication, tell your dotcor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recurrent infections (e.G., pneumonia, skin infections), immune system disorders (immunosupression), any allergies.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with persons who have last month received oral polio vaccine.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or usnig machinery. This medication should not be used by babies. Caution is advised when using that drug in the eldrely because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication shuold be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known wehther that drug passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding is not recommended whlie using that drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: drugs that may suppress your immune system (e.G., cancer chemotherapy, prednisone, cyclosporine), live vaccines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, conatct your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of oevrdose may include: chills, headache, or joint pain.
NOTES: Do not sahre that medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., T lymphocyte counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your prorgess or check for side effects.
Cosnult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from lgiht and moisture. Once prepared the diluted solution sohuld be refrigerated and used within 4 hours. Check the expiratoin date on the label and properly discard any unused medication after that time. Do not stroe in the bathroom. Keep all mediciens away from babies and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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