Efalizumab Dosage
Applies to the following strengths: 125 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis
Genentech and the FDA notified healthcare professionals of the voluntary, phased withdrawal of efalizumab from the U.S. market due to a potential risk to patients of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By June 8, 2009, efalizumab will no longer be available in the United States. Prescribers are being asked not to initiate efalizumab treatment for any new patients. Prescribers should immediately begin discussing with patients currently using efalizumab how to transition to alternative therapies. The FDA strongly recommends that patients work with their health care professional to transition to alternative therapies for psoriasis. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the U.S.
Initial Dose: 0.7 mg/kg subcutaneously once.
Maintenance Dose: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously weekly.
A maximum single dosage has been imposed at 200 mg as recommended by the manufacturer.
The safety and efficacy of efalizumab therapy beyond one year have not been established.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Because efalizumab is an immunosuppressive agent, it has the potential to increase the risk of infection and reactivate latent, chronic infections. Caution is recommended when considering the use of efalizumab in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infections.
Efalizumab should not be administered to patients with clinically significant infections. New infections developing during efalizumab therapy should be monitored. If a patient develops a serious infection, the drug should be discontinued.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Sites for injection include the thigh, abdomen, buttocks, or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated.
Efalizumab is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. If appropriate, patients may self-inject efalizumab after proper training in the preparation and injection technique and with medical follow up.
More about efalizumab
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (4)
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: selective immunosuppressants
Patient resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
See also:
Skyrizi
Skyrizi (risankizumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis ...
Stelara
Stelara (ustekinumab) is used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and ...
Otezla
Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers ...
Taltz
Taltz (ixekizumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing ...
Vtama
Vtama (tapinarof) is a steroid-free, once-daily cream used to treat plaque psoriasis and atopic ...
Humira
Humira is a tumor necrosis factor blocker that is used to treat many inflammatory conditions such ...
Adalimumab
Adalimumab is used to treat plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid ...
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as allergies, skin conditions ...
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung ...
Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as allergies, arthritis, lupus and ulcerative ...
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.