alefacept

Assessment

• Assess skin lesions before and during therapy.

• Assess for signs and symptoms of infection during or after a course of therapy. Discontinue alefacept if patient develops serious infection.

• Assess for allergic reactions during therapy. Discontinue therapy if reaction occurs.

• Discontinue alefacept if malignancy develops.

• Assess for signs and symptoms of hepatic impairment during treatment. Discontinue alefacept if patient develops hepatic impairment.

• Monitor CD4 and T lymphocyte count before initiating and every 2 wks during therapy. Withhold alefacept if CD4 and T lymphocyte counts are below 250 cells/microliter and monitor weekly. Discontinue if counts remain below 250 cells/microliter for 1 mo.