Dangerous Drug Attorneys: Raptiva
Columbus, Ohio
Raptiva (Efalizumab) is a drug used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, a chronic auto-immune disease that appears on the skin. Beginning in September of 2008, reports linking Raptiva use to dangerous drug side effects began, ultimately resulting in Raptiva’s voluntary withdrawal by its maker, Genentech.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that appears on the victim’s skin. There are five different varieties of psoriasis:
- Erythrodermic
- Guttate
- Inverse
- Plaque
- Pustular
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, appearing as raised patches of red skin or as lesions of dead skin cells, white in color. Raptiva is used to treat psoriasis, by suppressing the immune system of the user in order to limit the number of flare-ups.
FDA Warnings
Because Raptiva suppresses the immune system, its users are more vulnerable to infection. In October of 2008, the FDA issued a black-box warning for Raptiva, urging physicians and users to take note of Raptiva’s connection to life-threatening infections. A “black-box warning” is the strongest warning the FDA can place on prescription drug packaging. In April of 2009, Genentech stopped selling Raptiva after reports of lethal brain infections by Raptiva users.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy is a viral disease that affects the brain. It is rare and usually fatal, most often appearing in people with immune disorders or those taking medications that suppress their immune system, such as Raptiva. There is no known cure for PML, and treatments have met with varied success. Three users of Raptiva reported contracting PML, while a fourth case is being linked to the drug. These cases ultimately led to Raptiva pulling the drug from shelves and no longer selling the product. In April, the first lawsuit was filed against Genentech in a case involving Raptiva.
Your Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you love contracted a dangerous infection (including PML) while taking Raptiva, please call or email the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Robert Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. to find out more about your options and to schedule a consultation.
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