Psoriasis Home > Amevive
Available by prescription only, Amevive is an injectable drug used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. A healthcare provider will inject the medication into a muscle once a week for 12 weeks. This product is thought to work by affecting T-cells (a type of cell in the immune system). Common side effects include sore throat, dizziness, and cough.
What Is Amevive?
Amevive® (alefacept) is a prescription medication approved for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is a "biologic" medication that is given as a weekly intramuscular injection for 12 weeks. Additional courses may be repeated, with at least 12 weeks between courses.(Click Amevive Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
How Does It Work?
Amevive is a fusion protein. In other words, it is a part of an antibody that has been fused to a special protein. This medication is thought to work by binding to T-cells (a certain type of immune system cell), preventing them from becoming activated and reducing their number. It is thought that overactive T-cells play a large role in causing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.When and How to Take Amevive
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Amevive include the following:- Amevive comes in the form of an injection. Your healthcare provider will inject it into a muscle (intramuscularly) once a week for 12 weeks. Various areas of the body may be used.
- Repeated courses may be given, provided that at least 12 weeks have passed and that blood tests show your CD4+ T-cells are within the normal range.
- Your healthcare provider should rotate the injection sites so that the same area is not injected twice in a row.
- For this medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Skipping doses or not finishing the 12-week course will likely reduce the drug's effectiveness.