Efalizumab

Efalizumab is used to treat psoriasis, a skin condition caused by rapid reproduction of the cells in the skin. This medication works by blocking a receptor on the lymphocytes so that the immune system can’t stimulate production of these skin cells.

Side Effects/Warnings

Patients on this drug are more susceptible to infections because the drug interferes with the immune system. Patients may develop serious or fatal infections while on this medication; you should see your doctor if you have fever, chills, nausea or other symptoms of infection.

Patients who take this medication are also at risk of developing Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, or PML. PML is a potentially fatal disease that has no cure. Patients should be monitored for signs of this disease; medication should be discontinued if they begin to develop PML.