| Alefacept (Amevive) | Interferes with the function of antigen-presenting cells | 7.5 mg IV per week for 12 weeks or 15 mg IM per week for 12 weeks; repeat cycle may be given 12 weeks after first cycle complete | Lymphopenia, injection-site reactions, influenza-like symptoms, pruritus | Check CD4+ cell count at baseline and weekly thereafter. | $8,400 to $11,940 for a 12-week cycle |
| Efalizumab (Raptiva) | Inhibits T-cell/endothelial cell adhesion | Initial dose: 0.7 mg per kg SC | Influenza-like symptoms, URI, acne, psoriasis exacerbation; rare but serious side effect is thrombocytopenia | Monitor platelet counts every month initially, then every three months. | $18,720 for one year of continuous treatment |
| 1 mg per kg SC per week continuously thereafter |
| Maximum: 200 mg per dose |
| Etanercept (Enbrel) | Blocks the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α | 50 mg SC twice per week for three months, then decrease to maintenance dosage of 50 mg SC per week | Injection-site reactions, URI symptoms, abdominal pain; potential risk of reactivating TB | Check PPD before treatment. | $20,700 (60 doses) for one year of continuous treatment |
| Infliximab (Remicade) | Blocks the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α | 3 to 10 mg per kg IV infusions (over two hours) at weeks zero, 2, 6, and 14 | Infusion reactions, URI, pruritus, headache, sore throat; potential risk of reactivating TB | Check PPD before treatment. | $22,112 per year, based on eight treatments |