The psoriasis medication Raptiva® (efalizumab) has been linked to a number of extremely serious side effects including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a life-threatening infection of the brain.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Raptiva, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Raptiva Background
Raptiva was a drug first approved in 2003 to treat psoriasis through once-a-week injections. It works by suppressing T-cells (blood cells that help fight infection) in the immune system. By suppressing T-cells, Raptiva decreases the function of the immune system, which increases a patient’s susceptibility to infections. Unfortunately, Raptiva has been linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rapidly progressive disease that has no known treatment and that leads to death or severe disability.
What is PML?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. The disease typically occurs in people whose immune systems have been severely weakened, and usually leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and death. Sadly, there is no known effective prevention or treatment. Symptoms of PML may include (but are not limited to):
- weakness in one side of the body or limbs
- blurred or loss of vision
- fatigue and/or impairments in learned skills that may range from language impairments (aphasia) to memory loss, confusion, disorientation or a loss of balance.
Raptiva Withdrawn from U.S. Market
Between September 2008 and April 2009, at least 3 cases of PML were reported in patients taking Raptiva. Because of the unpredictable and life-threatening symptoms that accompany the condition, Genentech decided to stop selling Raptiva on April 8, 2009.
“The risk that an individual patient taking Raptiva will develop PML is rare and is generally associated with long-term use,” the FDA said in its recall announcement.“Generally, PML occurs in people whose immune systems have been severely weakened and often leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and death. There is no known effective treatment for PML.”
Do I have a Raptiva PML Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Raptiva PML lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Raptiva, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.