What Is Efalizumab?

Efalizumab is a medication that is used primarily in the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition in which the body’s skin cells do not shed normally and instead, continually build up, resulting in thick patches of dry skin. The condition is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the immune system, in which the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly views normal skin cells as if they were a threat like bacteria, fungi, or disease. Due to some of the possible dangerous side effects of the medication, it was pulled off the American and European markets in 2009.

Since psoriasis is generally considered to be the result of malfunctioning of the immune system, efalizumab is thought to help treat the condition by suppressing the immune system. The symptoms of psoriasis are usually characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching, which are the body’s ways of demonstrating that certain substances are not healthy for the body. By preventing the immune system from mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells, it may keep the skin cells from becoming inflamed as if they were dangerous substances and treat the symptoms of psoriasis but not cure the condition itself.

Efalizumab is administered into the body as an injection, either by a medical professional or at home for patients who are experienced at using the proper technique. It is available in a powdered form that is mixed with liquid just prior to being added to a syringe and injected approximately one time per week. Common injection sites for the medication include the upper arm, stomach, upper thigh, or buttocks, and doctors recommend not repeating two injection sites in a row.

Taking efalizumab may cause certain side effects in some individuals. One of the most dangerous potential side effects that may occur with taking the medication is a viral infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This infection can severely damage the central nervous system. Although PML is rare, it cannot be treated and may be fatal; therefore, the medication was removed from the American and European markets due to the risk of the infection. Other less serious side effects that may occur with using the medication include headache, nausea, vomiting, and pain or stiffness in the muscles, back, or joints, but these side effects will generally go away after regular use of the medication.

Since efalizumab works at treating psoriasis my suppressing the immune system, certain precautions are generally recommended for people on the medication. Patients on the medication are usually advised to not be around people with contagious illnesses or conditions, such as influenza or colds, because the medication prevents the immune system from being able to protect the body and fight off these conditions. Patients should avoid having new vaccinations while on the medication.