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Raptiva Prescription Information

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Produced by Genentech and Merck Serono, Raptiva is an injectable medication used to treat psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches (plaques) to develop on the skin.

Raptiva is generically known as efalizumab and is typically administered once a week via injection to the thigh, upper arm, abdomen or buttocks.

Raptiva Package Insert: Warnings About Raptiva Side Effects

Despite it's effectiveness at minimizing the symptoms of psoriasis, Raptiva medication has been found to cause some patients to develop serious, potentially fatal infections, including:

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

The severity of these possible Raptiva side effects led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate that Genentech and Merck Serono include a "black box" warning – the most serious level of FDA warnings – on Raptiva prescribing information, as well as on every Raptiva package insert.

This elevated Raptiva warning has been printed on Raptiva package inserts since Oct. 16, 2008.

Other Raptiva Prescribing Information: Risk Factors for Raptiva Side Effects

In addition to warning patients about possible side effects, Raptiva package inserts also list the factors that can elevate patients' risk of developing such life-threatening infections.

Risk factors include having a history of:

• chronic fungal, viral or bacteria infections
• receiving vaccines while taking Raptiva (or coming into contact with someone who has recently received a "live" vaccine)
• taking other immunosuppressant medications (such as those prescribed for organ transplants, certain types of cancer, lupus, etc.)
• undergoing phototherapy (the use of light to treat jaundice, acne, etc.).

Following a Raptiva Infection

Patients injured from a Raptiva treatment should:

• Seek emergency medical care to save their lives
• Follow through with all long-term care requirements to ensure a full recovery
• Find an alternative treatment for their psoriasis
• Meet with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Raptiva cases, once their health is stable

During an initial consultation with a Raptiva lawyer, affected patients (or families of deceased Raptiva patients) can:

• Find out if they are entitled to compensation for their injuries
• Learn more about the process of building, presenting and winning a Raptiva lawsuit
• Decide whether they want to file an individual case or join an already-progressing class-action case (based on their needs and circumstances)

By pursuing a Raptiva lawsuit, plaintiffs can win compensation for their:

• burial and/or funeral costs
• hospital bills
• inability to earn a living
• lost wages
• ongoing costs of necessary, long-term medical care
• emotional pain and suffering

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.