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.
