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Brand Name: Raptiva
Active Ingredient: efalizumab
Strength(s): 125 mg
Dosage Form(s): subcutaneous injection
Company Name: Genentech, Inc
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by FDA: October 27, 2003
*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug will be available to consumers at this time.

What is Raptiva used for?

Raptiva is a medicine used to treat adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis whose psoriasis is appropriate for treatment with whole body (systemic therapy) or phototherapy. Raptiva has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.

Who should not use Raptiva?

Do not use Raptiva if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Raptiva.

Special Warnings with Raptiva:

Raptiva can decrease the activity of your immune system. Therefore, people using Raptiva may have an increased chance of getting:

* serious infections
* cancers
* low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
* worsening of psoriasis

You should not receive vaccines while using Raptiva. Raptiva may prevent a vaccine from working.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

* are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
* are breast feeding
* have any infections
* have immune system problems
* have had cancer

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you are using:

* other medicines or treatments for your psoriasis
* medicines called immunosuppressives or any medicine that affects your immune system

What are some possible side effects of Raptiva? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Raptiva. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

The most common side effects of Raptiva include:

* headache
* chills
* fever
* nausea
* muscle aches

These reactions usually happen within the first 48 hours following Raptiva injection, and often decrease after the first few weeks of use of Raptiva. Back pain, joint pain, and swelling of the arms and legs (peripheral edema) can also happen with Raptiva.

For more detailed information about Raptiva, ask your health care provider.

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