Raptiva® Recall
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Drug manufacturer, Genentech, announced a voluntary recall of Raptiva® April 8, 2009 due to serious health risks. Designed to treat Psoriasis, Raptiva® has been linked to the development of a life-threatening brain infection, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Known generically as efalizumab, the Raptiva® drug was first approved by the FDA in 2003 to treat Psoriasis, a disease that attacks the immune system. However, since it hit the U.S. market, several reports of Raptiva® injuries and deaths have surfaced, causing much controversy about its use.
Raptiva® Recall Follows FDA Warnings
The FDA has known about the potentially life-threatening infections and conditions associated with the Psoriasis treatment for some time. In an effort to warn users and healthcare professionals of its link to the development of PML and other infections, the FDA updated the warning on Raptiva®’s labeling in October 2008.
And, more recently, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory in February 2009 following the death of three Raptiva® users who had developed PML.
What is Raptiva® PML?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a very rare infection of the brain caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. Individuals suffering from PML will begin to experience one or more of the following symptoms:
• Vision problems
• Chronic and progressive weakness
• Changes in personality
• Memory loss
• Difficulty speaking, slurring words
Most PML patients suffer traumatic disabilities and other debilitating symptoms for weeks or months after diagnosis. Unfortunately, a cure for this serious brain infection has not yet been discovered.
Other Serious Raptiva® Infections
In addition to PML, Raptiva® medication has the potential to increase the risk of and reactivate latent, chronic infections that require hospitalization and intense medical attention, including:
• Sepsis
• Cellulites
• Meningitis
• Abscess
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Gastroenteritis
Some Raptiva® users may even develop multiple life-threatening infections while being treated with the medication.
Following Raptiva® Infections
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an infection such as PML during or after a Raptiva® treatment, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You will most likely be hospitalized during treatment. After your health is stabilized, it is in your best interest to seek legal help from an attorney experienced in handling defective drug cases.
How a Raptiva® Recall Lawyer Can Help
Individuals and families harmed by the recalled Raptiva® medication can turn to a lawyer for Raptiva® patients for help. An experienced Raptiva® recall lawyer will evaluate the situation and fight aggressively to ensure affected individuals and families are fully compensation for their losses, including:
• Medical expenses
• Long-term treatment programs
• Long-term hospitalization
• Lost wages, lost ability to work
• Physical disfigurement
• Permanent disabilities
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life
• Burial and funeral costs in death cases
Have You Been Injured by Raptiva®?
If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury or death after taking Raptiva®, contact our Raptiva® lawyer to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced Raptiva® lawyer. Our attorneys work on contingency, meaning we will not charge you until a settlement or court award is achieved.
