Raptiva® Infections
(800) 889-3898
Prescribed to treat psoriasis, Raptiva® (efalizumab) is an injectable medication that is known to increase the risk of developing severe, life-threatening infections, including:
- bacterial sepsis, a blood infection
- invasive fungal disease
- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a type of Raptiva® brain infection in which the white matter of the brain swells
- viral meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord
While Raptiva® brain infections (specifically Raptiva® PML infections and meningitis) are the most deadly side effects, any of the above conditions will be fatal without emergency medical care.
Given the severity of potential Raptiva® side effects, it's vital that patients:
- Discuss their complete medical history with their doctors before taking Raptiva® medication
- Understand the types and symptoms of possible Raptiva® infections
- Seek immediate medical care, should they develop Raptiva® infections
- Meet with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Raptiva® lawsuits, once their health is stable, to find out if they are entitled to compensation for their injuries
FDA Issues Raptiva® Warning
On Oct.16, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide Raptiva® warning that:
- Informed the public about Raptiva® and meningitis, as well as the risk of other severe Raptiva® infections
- Required Genentech and Merck Serono to include a "black box" warning on Raptiva® medication labels.
Black box warnings are the most serious level of FDA warnings, as they indicate that a drug can cause fatal complications.
Symptoms of Raptiva® Infections
Raptiva® patients should be aware of the symptoms of serious infections so they know when to seek emergency medical care. Indications that a patient may be developing a life-threatening Raptiva® infection can include:
- black or blood stools
- chills
- congestion
- coughing
- easy bleeding (particularly from the gums and nose)
- excessive swelling, pain and/or redness at the site of a skin wound
- fever
- painful or difficult urination
- sore throat
- unexplainable bruising
Following a Raptiva® Infection
Patients will need to:
- Get emergency medical attention and follow through with all long-term prescribed care to save their lives
- Set up an initial consultation with a Raptiva® lawyer to find out if they have a case against Genentech and Merck Serono
Initial consultations with Raptiva® lawyers are free to create incentive for injured Raptiva® patients to pursue the compensation they deserve. During this meeting, prospective plaintiffs (which may include families of deceased Raptiva® patients) can:
- Learn more about the process of filing and winning a Raptiva® lawsuit
- Get information about settlements in cases similar to their own
- Decide whether filing an individual lawsuit or joining a class action case is best for their needs and situation
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.
