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Raptiva (Efalizumab)

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Generically known as efalizumab, Raptiva is an injectable medication prescribed in the treatment of psoriasis, an autoimmune condition in which red, scaly plaques develop on the skin. Raptiva works by suppressing the immune system and, thereby, minimizing the unsightly symptoms of psoriasis.

For most patients, Raptiva doses are injected once a week in the thigh, upper arm, abdomen or buttocks. Doctors will develop an injection rotation plan that best suits an individual Raptiva patient.

Severe Raptiva Side Effects

Despite being effective at treating psoriasis, Raptiva has been found to cause some serious, potentially fatal complications, including:

• bacterial sepsis, a blood infection
• invasive fungal disease
• progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a viral infection that causes swelling in the brain's white matter
• viral meningitis, an infection that results in inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord.

Symptoms of these Raptiva side effects may include:

• black or blood stools
• chills
• confusion and/or disorientation
• congestion
• coughing
• easy, unexplained bleeding, particularly from the gums and/or nose
• fever
• increased redness, pain or inflammation around skin wounds
• painful or difficulty urinating

Raptiva patients should seek emergency medical care, should they develop any combination of the above symptoms. Immediate treatment will be essential to saving injured patients' lives.

The FDA Issues Raptiva Warnings

Due to the severity of Raptiva side effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide Raptiva warning on Oct. 16, 2008. In this alert, the FDA:

• Warned the public about the life-threatening complications associated with Raptiva drug use
• Mandated that Genentech, the manufacturer of Raptiva, include "black box" warnings on Raptiva labels (Black box warnings are the most severe warning levels the FDA issues. They alert patients about the potential for death associated with using certain medications)

A comprehensive Raptiva recall has yet to be issued.

Raptiva Lawsuits

Patients injured after taking Raptiva (or families of deceased Raptiva patients) should set up an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer once their health is stable.

During these meetings, prospective plaintiffs can:

• Find out if they have a case against Genentech
• Learn more about the process of building and winning Raptiva lawsuits
• Get an estimate of their possible settlement, based on prior settlements in cases similar to their own
• Get advice about whether starting an individual case or joining a class-action lawsuit is best for their situation and needs

To encourage plaintiffs to seek out the compensation they deserve, Raptiva lawyers offer these consultations for free and will delay payment for their services until a settlement is reached.

If You Have Been Injured by Raptiva

Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Raptiva? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Raptiva attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.