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Psoriasis Treatment (Part 17) Psoriasis Itch

How Do You Store Alefacept? Psoriasis Itch

When alefacept is administered at your doctor's office, it will usually be provided when you come to the clinic. If a nurse comes to your home and administers the injection, you may have to store the medication. Psoriasis Itch

  • Do not use the medicine after the expiry
        date on either the vial of alefacept or the
        water used for injection. Do not use after
        the last day of the last month stamped on
        either vial.
  • The dose pack should be stored in the
        refrigerator between 2° C to 8° C (36° to
        45° F).
  • If there is not enough room in the
        refrigerator for the entire dose pack, (vial of
        dilutant, syringe, needles, bandage, alcohol
        pack and gauze pads), it is important that
        the vial of alefacept is
        refrigerated. Other parts of the dose pack
        can be stored at room temperature.
  • You might want to take the alefacept out
        of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you
        inject—this will allow the medication to
        warm to room temperature and will be
        more comfortable for you to inject.
    Psoriasis Itch
  • Once you mix the dilutent with the alefacept, use it immediately.
  • If necessary, you can keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator for up to four hours. If you don't
        use it within four hours, dispose of the solution.

    • Efalizumab (e-FA-li-ZU-mab) Psoriasis Itch

    Efalizumab is a new biologic therapy that is designed to provide control of your psoriasis. Psoriasis results in part from overactivated T cells, which release chemicals (cytokines) that can stimulate inflammation.

    How Does Efalizumab Work? Psoriasis Itch

  • Efalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets a portion of the T cell and blood vessles
        called CD11a by:
  • preventing T cells from becoming activated
  • preventing T cells from entering the skin
  • In doing so, efalizumab can inhibit the key steps in the immune system that result in the thick, red,
        scaly lesions of psoriasis.

    • How Is Efalizumab Given? Psoriasis Itch

    Efalizumab is a drug that you can inject below the surface of your skin (subcutaneous) as diabetics would inject themselves with insulin. It is given once weekly and can be done at home. The drug is supplied as a dry, white powder that is then mixed with sterile water. A doctor or nurse will assist you in learning how to self-inject and will administer your first dose.

    Before you start efalizumab, your doctor will review with you the risks, benefits and alternatives. Your doctor might give you an informed consent form outlining these risks and benefits. You are entitled to review this document on your own, and with your doctor or nurse, and sign it. The intention is to provide an additional opportunity to review the issues discussed with your doctor. Also, you will need some blood work done prior to starting the medication.

    The amount of efalizumab prescribed is based on your weight. The initial recommended dose is slightly lower (0.7 mg/kg), which will be followed by a regular dose (1.0 mg/kg) with a maximum amount not to exceed 200 mg. If you weigh more than 122 kg (270 pounds) your dose will be more than 1.25 mL. If your dose is greater than 1.25 mL, you will need to use two trays of medication.

    Efalizumab is currently approved in the United States, and the makers have developed a comprehensive support program to assist patients in starting self-treatments. This drug is currently under review with Health Canada. In the United States, a shipment of efalizumab contains a four-week supply. Each tray contains a one-week supply of medication, which includes one vial, a pre-filled syringe, two needles and alcohol pads.

    To administer efalizumab, you will have to go through several steps. You will be given this information with your shipment, which will be reviewed by a health care professional or your doctor.

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