Psoriasis patients taking Genentech's Raptiva are scrambling to find another drug to treat their skin disease now that the manufacturer has recalled the product as its been linked to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) – a fatal brain infection. Here's what psoriasis patients should know:
Raptiva recalled after FDA links drug to three deaths
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on Raptiva in October 2008 warning about the possibility of contracting Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy – an often fatal brain infection
which can cause changes in vision, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, personality changes and general weakness.
Four months later, the FDA issued a second warning that three deaths had been linked to Raptiva. Two months after that, in April 2009, the manufacturer (Roche Holding, AG – which recently purchased Genentech in March 2009) decided to recall the product. If will no longer be available after June 2009.
Other serious side effects reported
In addition to the possibility of contracting PML, Raptiva has also been linked to other serious side effects such as:
- Bacterial Sepsis
- Brain Infection
- Hemolytic Anemia
- Invasive Fungal Disease
- Necrotizing Fasciitis
- Pneumonia with Neutropenia
- Tuberculous Pneumonia
- Viral Meningitis
For additional patient information from the FDA, please click here.
Several lawsuits already filed against manufacturer
Several lawsuits have already been filed against the manufacturer alleging that Raptiva caused them or a loved one to suffer severe injuries or death. If you’ve been injured by Raptiva, contact an experienced products liability attorney whose practice handles Raptiva cases to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.
