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Who Should
Not Take Alefacept?
persons with a T cell count lower
than 250 cells/uL
persons who are pregnant or breast
feeding
persons who have a serious infection,
or frequent recurrence of serious infections
persons who have HIV/AIDS
persons who have cancer (with
the exception of certain types of skin cancer that have
been
treated)
persons who are allergic to alefacept
or any of its components
What You Should Tell the Doctor
While Taking Alefacept
As always, it is important to
follow your doctor's instructions, keep your appointments
for injections, and obtain all blood work as directed
by your doctor. If you develop any of the following
conditions while taking alefacept, immediately contact
your doctor.
You experience a decrease in your
T lymphocyte number. A decrease in the number of T lymphocytes
(one of the types of white blood cells measured during
a complete blood count) is called lymphopenia. If your
T lymphocytes drop below a certain number while on alefacept,
your doctor will stop your treatment until they increase
(levels of CD4+ T lymphocyte cells should be greater
than 250 cells/uL). If these levels are below normal
prior to starting alefacept treatment, you should not
start until your cell count is normal or above normal.
Your doctor will determine this before starting therapy.
It is important to get your blood work done regularly
while on alefacept, as directed by your doctor.
You develop an infection. If you
develop an infection or symptoms of an infection, you
should contact your doctor. If the infection is mild,
it may not be necessary for you to stop treatment. However,
certain infections may require you to do so. Symptoms
can include fever, feeling tired and/or a cough. Other
symptoms could include a raised, hot, red area of skin
that is spreading. If you feel unwell but do not have
a fever, it is still important to tell your doctor.
Since alefacept can suppress your immune system, your
body may not respond to an infection with a fever as
it would normally. If you develop a serious infection
alefacept should be stopped until it is fully treated.
Any medication that your doctor prescribes for the treatment
of infections should be taken immediately.
You develop cancer (malignancies).
If you develop cancer while taking alefacept, tell your
doctor right away. Alefacept is an immunosuppressant
and has a potential to increase your risk of cancer.
Alefacept reduces the number of T cells, which are important
in fighting and preventing serious infections and cancer.
The role of alefacept in the development of cancer is
unknown. In clinical trials, the incidence of cancer
in patients treated with alefacept was low and similar
to those taking a placebo. Long-term follow-up studies
are required to determine the safety of this medication.
You become pregnant. If you become
pregnant while taking alefacept, contact your doctor
immediately.
You need to receive a vaccine.
The efficacy and safety of live vaccines administered
while a patient is taking alefacept is not known.
What
Side Effects Can Alefacept Cause?
Side effects are possible with
any medication, including biologic agents; however,
clinical studies have shown that alefacept is well tolerated.
There is no evidence of psoriasis rapidly recurring
(rebound) after stopping therapy. The most common side
effects, experienced by more than 5 percent of patients,
were:
sore throat
runny nose
nausea
fatigue
diarrhea
itch
headaches
pain, swelling and redness at
the site of injection
Alefacept is an immunosuppresent
and has the potential to increase your risk of cancer.
The role of alefacept in the development of cancer is
unknown. In clinical trials, the incidence of cancer
in patients treated with alefacept was low, and similar
to those taking a placebo.
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