Monograph Details

Dermatological Disorders > Psoriasis
AMEVIVE I.V.
Manufacturer
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Immunosuppressant.
Generic Name
Alefacept 7.5mg/0.5mL; pwd for IV inj after reconstitution; preservative-free.
Also
AMEVIVE I.M.
Indications
Moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic or phototherapy.
Children
Not recommended.
Adults
7.5mg once weekly as IV bolus or 15mg once weekly as IM inj; both: treat for 12 weeks. May repeat course after 12 treatment-free weeks.
Contraindications
Lymphopenia. Clinically important infection (eg, HIV). History of systemic malignancy.
Precautions
Monitor CD4+ counts before and every 2 weeks during therapy; withhold and monitor weekly if CD4+ count <250cells/µL; discontinue if a count of <250cells/µL persists for 4 weeks. History or risk of malignancy; discontinue if malignancy develops. Chronic or history of recurrent infections. Monitor closely if new infection develops during or after treatment; discontinue if serious infection develops. Monitor for hepatic injury; discontinue if signficant clinical signs of liver injury occur. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Interactions
Do not give with other immunosuppressants or phototherapy. Caution with concurrent live vaccines.
Adverse Reactions
Pharyngitis, dizziness, cough, nausea, pruritus, myalgia, chills, inj site reactions, cardiovascular events, headache, antibody formation, malignancies, infection (may be serious), anaphylaxis, elevated transaminases, hepatic injury/failure.
Extra Text
Note: Register pregnant patients exposed to alefacept by calling (866) 263-8483.
How Supplied
Single-use vials—1, 4