Brand Name
Amevive
Common Name
alefacept
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02259052 | AMEVIVE SOLUTION FOR INJECTION |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
July 4, 2012
Alefacept is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Alefacept belongs to the group of medications known as selective immunomodulating antipsoriatic agents. It is used to treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. It works by decreasing the activity of parts of the immune system that are believed to be involved in psoriasis.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Alefacept is given by intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. Most people taking this medication can be trained by a health professional to give themselves the injection. The usual dose is 15 mg injected into a muscle once a week. Treatment usually continues for 12 weeks, followed by at least a 12-week break from injections (a treatment-free period). Many people continue to improve for months after stopping the injections.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of alefacept, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Alefacept is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will assist you in the preparation and injection of your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose.
Follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist when mixing the medication. The solution should be colourless or slightly yellow once it has been mixed. Do not use the injection if it appears cloudy or discoloured, or if you see particles floating in it. After reconstituting (mixing) the medication, inject the dose immediately.
Use a different site for each injection to decrease the risk of skin irritation. Dispose of your used needles in an appropriate sharps container.
Store the unmixed vial in the refrigerator, keep it from freezing, and protect it from light. Keep it out of the reach of children. Each vial should be used only once, and after it has been used, it should be discarded.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
July 4, 2012
Amevive® is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Alefacept should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to alefacept or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is infected with HIV
- has certain immune system conditions
