Raptiva (efalizumab), manufactured by Genentech USA, Inc. has been linked to the development of a serious, life-threatening brain infection called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
UPDATE: On April 8, 2009 Genentech (the manufacturer of Raptiva) announced a nationwide recall of Raptiva, a medication for treatment of psoriasis due to reports of patients developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Raptiva is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of Psoriasis. In October 2008 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) added a “Black Box Warning” to the package labeling of Raptiva warning of the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). More recently on February 19, 2008, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory warning doctors and patients that it had received three (3) confirmed cases of Raptiva patients developing PML. In all three cases, the patients unfortunately died from the brain infection.
What is the problem with Raptiva?
Raptiva is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of Psoriasis. In October 2008 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) added a “Black Box Warning” to the package labeling of Raptiva warning of the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). More recently on February 19, 2008, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory warning doctors and patients that it had received three (3) confirmed cases of Raptiva patients developing PML. In all three cases, the patients unfortunately died from the brain infection.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a serious, rare and fatal viral disease involving inflammation of the white matter of the brain. The following is a list of signs and symptoms related to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy:
- Mental deterioration
- Vision loss
- Speech disturbances
- Ataxia
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Hemiparesis
- Facial weakness
- Dysphasia
- Memory failure
- Cognition failure
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
