Genetech’s psoriasis drug Raptiva may cause a brain infection that could kill you or leave you with serious medical problems.
Victims may be entitled to compensation .
Raptiva (efalizumab) is a prescription drug approved in 2003 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. Raptiva is administered by once-weekly, under-the-skin injection in adults who are candidates for systemic (whole body) therapy or phototherapy (light therapy) to control their psoriasis. It works by suppressing the immune system to reduce flare-ups of psoriasis. Psorasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder that causes unsightly, scaly red patches to appear on the skin. It can be devastating to the self-esteem of the people afflicted with it. Psoriasis can also affect the joints. But that’s mild compared to PML, a disease that kills an incredible 80 percent of those who contract it within just six months. Survivors of the disease usually have severe, lifelong neurological damage.
FDA Issues Warning
On October 16, 2008 the FDA announced a black box warning for Raptiva — the strongest warning a drug can receive — regarding the risk of serious, life-threatening infections including bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, invasive fungal disease, progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy (PML) and other opportunistic infections.
Signs and Symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
PML is a rare, progressive disease of the central nervous system caused by the reactivation of a latent virus which results in progressive damage or inflammation of the brain. In a healthy adult, the virus usually stays dormant. PML occurs almost exclusively in people with severe immune deficiency who are more susceptible to infection.
Signs and symptoms of Progressive Leukoencephalopathy (PML) may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Progressive weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty talking or walking
- Visual impairment
- Partial paralysis
- Seizures
If you or a loved one has experienced health problems while taking the psoriasis drug Raptiva fill out our no risk on line intake form or call New Jersey based Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers now for a confidential and free consultation. CALL NOW: 1-866-333-3LAW (1-866-333-3529).
