Raptiva Lawsuits
Last Updated: February 2009 • 6 Comments
Contact a Lawyer
Submit information about your potential case to be reviewed by an attorney.
The psoriasis drug Raptiva’s side effects could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections, including the rare brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A Raptiva recall was issued because the risk of developing this deadly infection outweighs the benefits provided by the drug.
RAPTIVA PML LAWSUIT STATUS: The potential for litigation is being examined and reviewed by Raptiva lawyers in cases where individuals were diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or other opportunistic infections with serious consequences.
>>HAVE A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT REVIEWED BY A RAPTIVA LAWYER<<
MANUFACTURER: Genetech, Inc.
OVERVIEW: Raptiva (efalizumab) is a subcutaneous injection administered once a week to treat psoriasis. The drug is a therapeutic antibody designed to block the activation of special immune cells called T-cells. Overactivity of T-cells leads to excess skin cells being produced, which build up in the form of plaques, causing the skin disease psoriasis
The FDA approved Raptiva in October 2003, and it is manufactured and marketed by Genetech, Inc. Worldwide sales were approximately $120 million last year.
As a result of post-marketing reports of Raptiva side effects, the FDA announced in October 2008 that a new black box warning will be added to highlight the risk of serious infections which could result from the drug. Some of the reported Raptiva infections include:
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
- Bacterial Sepsis
- Viral Meningitis
- Invasive Fungal Disease
- Other Opportunistic Infections
In February 2009, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory to confirm that they have received one possible and three confirmed Raptiva progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy reports. All of four were taking Raptiva for more than three years and none of them were taking other treatments that suppress the immune system.
RAPTIVA PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY: Side effects of Raptiva have been associated with the development of the rare and viral disease known as PML or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The infection, which attacks the central nervous system and the brain, has no known cure and often has fatal consequences.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy symptoms could include confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty talking, difficulty walking, impaired speech and vision problems.
Other medication side effects have also been linked to the development of PML, including the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, and organ transplant drugs CellCept and Myfortic.
Pingback by FDA Adds Raptiva Black Box Warning About Serious Infections : AboutLawsuits.com on 17 October 2008:
[...] FDA is adding a new “black box” warning to the psoriasis drug Raptiva. Side effects could include an increased risk of potentially life-threatening infections, including [...]
Pingback by Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Lawsuits : AboutLawsuits.com on 17 October 2008:
[...] multifocal leukoencepholapthy among users of the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, psoriasis drug Raptiva and organ transplant medications CellCept or Myfortic, or the multiple sclerosis drug [...]
Comment by James on 21 February 2009:
To this date there have been three known cases of PML, two of which have died, the third in Europe with unconfirmed death. These three patients were all on long term therapy with Raptiva for psoriasis, two of the patients were over 70 years in age, the third in Europe was 47. While Raptiva is speculated to be related, via possible activation of JC Polyoma virus, it has not been proven. This is tragic news for Dermatologists and the psoriasis communiity, since these patients have fared so well on Raptiva.
Comment by Julia on 4 March 2009:
I have been on Raptiva for three years and have many concerns about this drug now. How will it effect me long term once I do get off of it. This has truly scared me.
Comment by WAYNE on 16 March 2009:
I am 61 years old and have been taking RAPTIVA for approx. 2-3 years.
I was wondering if any other patients have reported erection / infertility problems.
I know this can be common amongst men my age but it icoincided with me commencing RAPTIVA treatment.
Maybe a coincident but worth asking the question.
Comment by Karen on 5 August 2009:
I’m 54 years old and been taking Raptive for 5-6 years. It had been a life changing drug for me. Totally clear for 5 years. I have since changed drugs and doing very well. My question is do you think that the drug company would pay for some kind of brain testing to see if we have anything to worry about?