I was just prescribed RAPTIVA
Just getting started with RAPTIVA?
It started with a "rash" on his shoulder in 1992. Then he noticed a few more spots on his legs. By the time he made it into the doctor's office, he was 75% to 80% covered. "I didn't want to go to any doctor. I was afraid of whatever he or she might have told me." Lee was finally diagnosed with psoriasis in 2003.
Lee shares his experience with RAPTIVA:
"I had a good enough physician where he recommended RAPTIVA first. We also talked about [another biologic], but I thought it was geared more toward psoriatic arthritis, and I don't have that disease. And I thought that RAPTIVA would be a more appropriate option for me.
"I went through the initial dosage and injection training with the nurse. She showed us how to administer the shot, and from there, I waited for my next arrival of RAPTIVA. It was delivered right there to my house, and I picked it up, put it in the refrigerator and waited until the shot date. I gave myself an injection-and it's a very simple process.
"Initially, I did go through a period where I did get sick. And I dealt with that. It lasted 3 or 4 days of flu-like symptoms. And then I started noticing the itching go away. At about the 9th week, I started noticing that pretty much a good portion of my body just-it stopped being red. So that's how it moved for me. And since then it's been progressively slow. But it's still progress. It's still getting less and less every time."
Here's what you could see from your first 3 months with RAPTIVA:
Month 1: Be patient.
It's important that you know that while everyone's experience with RAPTIVA is different, many patients have experienced less redness or less itching during the first month of use.
There are some people who may experience flu-like symptoms at this time, including headache, chills, fever, nausea, and muscle aches. This is common and usually goes away within a few days after the first 2 shots of RAPTIVA. If these symptoms become uncomfortable, call your dermatologist. He or she may recommend that you take an over-the-counter treatment.
Here's the good news: During the first month of using RAPTIVA, some people may start to get relief from the symptoms of psoriasis. But everyone is different.
Month 2: You may start getting clearer
At month 2, you may start to notice that the plaques on your skin are getting smaller. That means that RAPTIVA is working for you. So it is important that you stick with it and continue to take RAPTIVA. You should also know that some people do not experience any symptom relief during month 2. So keep using RAPTIVA. Because everyone is different, you may not start to enjoy clearer skin until month 3.
Month 3: And clearer.
After 3 months of taking RAPTIVA, you may really start to experience noticeably clearer skin. So you can look forward to significant changes in your skin, too, like less redness, less itching, and fewer psoriasis plaques. RAPTIVA is proven to provide a significant improvement, which is sustained over time with continuous use. So if it works for you, keep taking it. And if you haven't experienced results after 3 months, talk to your dermatologist.
Get started, and get closer to clearer skin.
By choosing RAPTIVA, you're getting closer to clearer skin. Your dermatologist may have already discussed with you what to expect while taking RAPTIVA, but here are some key points to remember:
- Take RAPTIVA once weekly as prescribed, and give it at least 12 weeks to work
- Continue taking RAPTIVA for the long-term to maintain noticeably clearer skin with less itching, less redness, and fewer plaques
- The most common side effects with RAPTIVA are flu-like symptoms, such as headache, chills, fever, nausea, and muscle aches. These symptoms are usually mild and they often go away a few days after your first 2 injections.
- Don't be surprised by flares-contact your dermatologist for advice on how to manage flares while on RAPTIVA.
- RAPTIVA has a safety profile with a low incidence of serious side effects. RAPTIVA is an immunosuppressive agent. Many immunosuppressive agents can decrease the activity of the immune system, and have the potential to increase the risk of infection and cancer. However, the role of RAPTIVA in the development of cancer is currently not known. Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) have been infrequently observed (in 0.3% of clinical trial patients) during treatment. Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual or easy bruising or bleeding. Low blood counts (anemia) may also occur, so call your doctor right away if you feel weak, light-headed, or notice a change of color to your skin, eyes, or urine.
Some patients have had serious worsening or new forms of psoriasis while taking RAPTIVA, or after stopping RAPTIVA. In addition, some patients have had worsening or new arthritis while taking RAPTIVA or after stopping RAPTIVA. Please see your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccines while taking RAPTIVA.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider and ask about the RAPTIVA pregnancy registry. Or find out more by calling 1-877-RAPTIVA to enroll.
- Be sure to receive your FREE injection training from a trained nurse prior to taking your first dose
Please consult your dermatologist if you are considering stopping RAPTIVA.
- © 2008 Genentech, Inc. All rights reserved. This site is intended for US residents only.
- Talk to your doctor about RAPTIVA
- Create your own personalized Doctor Discussion Guide
