Uses
Treatment of transplant rejections; antipsoriatic (immunomodulator monoclonal antibody which decreases the activation, migration, and adhesion of T-cells). hu1124; anti-CD11a.
Efalizumab (Raptiva) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD11a subunit of LFA-1. It blocks the interaction of LFA-1 with ICAM-1, thereby interfering with T-cell activation and trafficking. Efalizumab is FDA approved at 1.0 mg/kg/week by subcutaneous injection. Common side effects include mild headache, fever, chills, nausea, or myalgia within the first 48 hours of injection in the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is rare. Worsening of psoriasis may occur after discontinuation of therapy or in unresponsive patients during therapy. Transitioning patients to alternative therapies may minimize this risk.
Pharmacology
Efalizumab (Raptiva) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the
CD11a subunit of LFA-1. It blocks the interaction of LFA-1 with ICAM-1,
thereby interfering with T-cell activation and trafficking. Efalizumab is FDA approved at 1.0 mg/kg/week by subcutaneous injection.
Side effects
Common side effects
include mild headache, fever, chills, nausea, or myalgia within the first 48
hours of injection in the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy. Immune-mediated
thrombocytopenia is rare. Worsening of psoriasis may occur after discontinuation
of therapy or in unresponsive patients during therapy. Transitioning
patients to alternative therapies may minimize this risk.
