Side effects fall into several categories. Allergic reactions can happen with any drug and can range from itching and rash all the way up to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Other side effects simply –come with the territory.†Some drugs can't help but trigger side effects because of their chemical structure. One example is the common allergy drug diphenhydramine (also known by the brand name Benadryl). Though it eases allergy symptoms, it also suppresses the activity of the body chemical acetylcholine, and that leads to drowsiness and a host of other side effects, including dry mouth.
Some drugs have barely noticeable side effects when dosed properly. For example, Warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin) used to prevent blood clots, is usually well tolerated, but serious internal bleeding can occur.
Side effects may only pop up when certain drugs are mixed with certain other things. These might also be...
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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.RAPTIVA®
(efalizumab)
For injection, Subcutaneous
WARNING
RISK OF PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML)
RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS
RAPTIVA® (efalizumab) is an immunosuppressive recombinant humanized IgG1 kappa isotype monoclonal antibody that binds to human CD11a. Efalizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kilodaltons and is produced in a Chinese hamster ovary mammalian cell expression system in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product.
RAPTIVA (efalizumab) is supplied as a sterile, white to off-white, lyophilized powder in single-use glass vials for subcutaneous (SC) injection. Reconstitution of the single-use vial with 1.3 mL of the supplied sterile water for injection (non-USP) yields approximately 1.5 mL of solution to deliver 125 mg per 1.25 mL (100 mg/mL) of RAPTIVA (efalizumab) . The sterile water for injection supplied does not comply with USP requirement for pH. After reconstitution, RAPTIVA (efalizumab) is a clear to pale yellow solution with a pH of approximately 6.2. Each single-use vial of RAPTIVA contains 150 mg of efalizumab, 123.2 mg of sucrose, 6.8 mg of L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, 4.3 mg of L-histidine and 3 mg of polysorbate 20 and is designed to deliver 125 mg of efalizumab in 1.25 mL.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Raptiva »
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current infections (e.g., PML), blood problems (e.g., thrombocytopenia), history of cancer, immune system problems, currently on phototherapy.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor while using this medication. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
This medication should be used only when clearly...
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/16/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Raptiva sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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