Daniel R. - $10,500,000.00
Raptiva
Raptiva Highlights
- Injections used to treat chronic psoriasis.
- Causes rare brain infection and death.
- FDA black box warning in October 2008.
About Raptiva
Raptiva, also known as Efalizumab injections, was used to treat chronic (long-term) plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red scaly patches form on some areas of the body) in patients who cannot be treated with medications that are applied to the skin. Raptiva comes as a powder to mix with sterile water to be injected under the skin. It is usually injected once a week. Raptiva is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by stopping the action of cells in the body that cause the symptoms of psoriasis.
If you or a loved one developed a brain infection while taking Raptiva you may be entitled to a cash settlement. Please complete the form and one of our attorneys will contact you or call 1-800-LAW-FIRM now.
In October 2008, Raptiva's label got a "black box" warning -- the FDA's sternest warning -- about the risk of life-threatening infections. Raptiva is no longer available in the U.S. as of June 8, 2009. The manufacturer, Genentech, decided to stop producing Raptiva because of the possible risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
PML is a rare and serious brain infection. PML is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. It usually occurs in people whose immune systems have been severely weakened. PML leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and eventual death.
Conditions Caused By Raptiva
- Bacterial Sepsis
- Viral Meningitis
- Invasive Fungal Disease
- Nervous system disorders
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Death
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Side Effects & Symptoms
- Brain infection
- Unusual weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Personality changes
Warnings & Recalls
- On October 16, 2008, the FDA issued a “black box warning” to Raptiva which warned patients of the risks of life-threatening infections, including PML.
- On February 19, 2009 the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory after receiving confirmed reports of three fatalities in patients using Raptiva who developed PML.
- Raptiva is no longer available in the U.S. as of June 8, 2009. The manufacturer decided to stop producing efalizumab because of the possible risk of PML in patients receiving this medication.
