Raptiva

Syringe

Raptiva Psoriasis Drug Safety Warning

Special Alert: August 2009

Raptiva, an injectible drug used to treat psoriasis in adults, has been linked to serious reactions, including a brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a potentially fatal brain infection that can also lead to severe neurological damage.

In February 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that several patients taking Raptiva had been diagnosed with PML and that three of the patients died. Other serious conditions linked to Raptiva include:

Bacterial sepsis
Viral meningitis and encephalitis
Cancer, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma & non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Invasive fungal disease

In April 2009, Genentech, one of Raptiva’s manufacturers, announced that it would pull the drug from the market.

What is Raptiva?

Raptiva, generic name efalizumab, is a man-made form of a protein similar to human antibodies. It is a once-weekly injection that suppresses T-cells in the immune system in order to treat plaque psoriasis in adults ages 18 and over.

Side Effects of Raptiva

You should seek emergency medical help if you develop any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

Hives
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

You should call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects:

Signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, chills, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite, or mouth sores
Signs of a skin infection, such as redness, swelling, and tenderness
Pale or yellowed skin, dark urine, confusion, or weakness
Change in your mental state, problems with speech or walking, decreased vision
Cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, or wheezing
Neck stiffness, purple spots on the skin, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure
Numbness or tingly feeling in the feet
Muscle weakness in your face
Problems with vision, swallowing, speech, or bladder and bowel functions

Less serious Raptiva side effects may include:

Headache, muscle pain, and nausea or vomiting
Back pain
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Swelling in your hands or feet

Overview of Raptiva

In October 2008, the FDA announced safety warnings and labeling changes for Raptiva after it was linked to adverse reactions in patients, including deaths. Because Raptiva suppresses the immune system, it puts patients at an increased risk of developing such conditions as PML, cancer, bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, and invasive fungal disease.

After the FDA confirmed that four patients taking Raptiva developed PML, which is usually fatal, Genetech announced the phased withdrawal of the drug starting in April 2009. At that time, the company estimated that 2,000 patients in the United States were receiving Raptiva for chronic plaque psoriasis. They also said that since the drug was approved in 2003, approximately 46,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Raptiva.

The final phase of withdrawal was completed on June 8, 2009.

You Need Experienced Lawyers Who Understand Dangerous Drug Cases to Fight On Your Side

If you or a loved one has suffered heath problems from taking Raptiva, you need to act quickly. When our drug injury attorneys and staff get involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.

Contact our law firm today by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.