Alefacept (Intramuscular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 2, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Amevive

Uses for alefacept

Alefacept injection is used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis, which is a skin disease with red and white scales that don't go away. Alefacept is given to patients who have used other medicines that did not work well.

Alefacept is an immunosuppressant. It works on the immune system to treat the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

Alefacept is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using alefacept

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alefacept, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alefacept or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Alefacept injection is not to be used in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alefacept injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have cancers or infections, which may require caution in patients receiving alefacept injection.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving alefacept, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using alefacept with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Alfentanil
Anifrolumab-fnia
Astemizole
Cisapride
Cyclosporine
Dihydroergotamine
Ergotamine
Fentanyl
Infliximab
Pimozide
Quinidine
Sirolimus
Tacrolimus
Terfenadine
Tofacitinib
Warfarin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Alefacept Intramuscular