Raptiva, a medication for treatment of psoriasis, has been shown to increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) also known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis, which is characterized by progressive damage to the white matter of the brain. A raptiva lawsuit by a raptiva PML attorney may lead to compensation for those injured by the side effects of raptiva.
Raptiva (Generic: Efalizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted toward the hyperproliferative pathology of psoriasis. As an immunosuppressive agent, Raptiva "has the ability to enhance the threat of infection and reactivate latent, chronic infections," the label cautions. Serious infections and malignancies reported in patients taking Rapitva include malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, non-cutaneous solid tumors, and lymphomas.
On, July 20, 2005, the FDA announced a new warning on the Genentech psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) following reports of four cases of hemolytic anemia that were diagnosed four to six months after patients started on the monoclonal antibody. Two of the cases occurred during clinical trials of Raptiva, and the other two were reported as post-marketing events, according to the FDA.
The FDA is reviewing this latest information. The agency will take appropriate steps to ensure that the risks of Raptiva do not outweigh its benefits, that patients prescribed Raptiva are clearly informed of the signs and symptoms of PML, and that health care professionals carefully monitor patients for the possible development of PML. The Public Health Advisory provides recommendations for h ealthcare providers and patients when treatment with this product is considered.
Read the MedWatch safety summary, including links to the Public Health Advisory and News Release, at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2009/safety09.htm#Raptiva
Raptiva has been an extremely prevalent medication in recent years in the United States for the purpose of treating psoriasis, which is a disease of the skin for which there is no known cause or cure at this time. Therefore, these sorts of medications have generally presented the best option in terms of helping patients manage the disease in order to make it more tolerable, as psoriasis can be very painful.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Raptiva treatment and you are in need of a compassionate, yet highly-skilled attorney who will fight tirelessly to recover compensation for your losses, contact us today. One of our experienced Raptiva attorneys will be in touch with you soon to schedule a free, private consultation to discuss your concerns.
