Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Linked to Deadly Brain Infections
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating the psoriasis drug Raptiva for a possible link to a rare, but often deadly, brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). At least two people have died and others may also have developed PML while taking Raptiva, made by Genentech. Raptiva has also been associated with meningitis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and other life-threatening infections.
On April 8, 2009, Genentech announced that it was suspending sales of Raptiva in the U.S., due to reports of people taking the drug developing PML. The company advised physicians to immediately stop prescribing Raptiva for new psoriasis patients and to contact patients currently taking the drug to determine the best course of action for treatment. The company's phased withdrawal of the drug was expected to culminate by June 2009, when Raptiva would no longer be available. As many as 2,000 Americans are taking Raptiva.
If you or a loved one has taken Raptiva and developed PML, meningitis, or suffered another injury, you may have legal rights to financial compensation. The drug maker and other responsible parties may be liable for your injuries, making you and your family eligible to receive money to compensate you for your medical bills, lost income from time you were too sick to work, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a loved one has died as a result of taking Raptiva, you and your family may qualify for wrongful death damages. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free, confidential initial legal consultation and review of your possible Raptiva injury case. You can reach us by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the case inquiry form on this page.
Raptiva: Approved for Psoriasis Treatment
The FDA approved Raptiva in October 2003 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, a chronic immune-system disease which causes thick, red, scaly patches to appear on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity and as many 30 percent of psoriasis patients also develop psoriatic arthritis. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
PML: Rare But Deadly Brain Infection Linked to Raptiva Use
Use of the psoriasis drug Raptiva has been associated with the development of PML, a viral disease of the brain which is rare, but most often fatal. The disease may occur in people who have undergone organ transplants, who are on chronic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy, or have cancers including Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, and sarcoidosis. However, PML is most common in people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Up to five percent of AIDS patients will eventually develop PML.
Call Today for Free Legal Raptiva Consultation
If you or a loved one has taken the psoriasis drug Raptiva and suffered an injury or death, you may have legal rights. You and your family may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages paid by the drug company or other responsible parties. Raptiva is now being investigated by the FDA for a possible link to a deadly brain infection, called PML. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation review of your possible Raptiva-injury case by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the form on this page.
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