Raptiva

Generic name: efalizumab [ EF-a-LIZ-oo-mab ]
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 8, 2021.

What is Raptiva?

Raptiva is a man-made form of a protein similar to human antibodies. Efalizumab is made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Raptiva is used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults.

Raptiva may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Raptiva increases the risk of serious infections, including a viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as change in your mental state, problems with speech or walking, or decreased vision. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.

During your Raptiva treatment, it is extremely important that your doctor check you every 3 to 6 months to make sure you are not developing any signs of serious infection. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. You should also call your doctor right away if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Before using Raptiva, tell your doctor about all other medications you are using, especially other psoriasis medications or phototherapy, or drugs that weaken your immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.

Before using Raptiva

You should not use Raptiva if you are allergic to efalizumab. Raptiva increases the risk of a serious infections, including a viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using Raptiva, tell your doctor if you have:

• any active or chronic infection;

• arthritis; or

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).

You should be current on all immunizations before you start using Raptiva.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Raptiva, or within 6 weeks after you stop using the medication.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while using Raptiva. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether Raptiva had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether efalizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Treatment with Raptiva may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Talk with your doctor...