Raptiva PML Side Effect Lawsuits. Raptiva, a drug used to treat psoriasis, has been associated with a serious viral brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML). Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML is a rare virus that affects the central nervous system and often leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and death. […]
Raptiva PML Side Effect Lawsuits. Raptiva, a drug used to treat psoriasis, has been associated with a serious viral brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML). Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML is a rare virus that affects the central nervous system and often leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and death. In 2009, Genentech withdrew Raptiva from the market after several patients undergoing therapy with the drug died from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML. The ‘Raptiva’ market withdrawal also came after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued several warnings regarding Raptiva and its association with serious, life threatening infections, including Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML.
If you or a loved one developed Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML while undergoing treatment with ‘Raptiva’, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering through a lawsuit. Lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP who investigate defective drugs and have defended victims of defective drugs through lawsuits, are currently offering free lawsuit evaluations to victims of ‘Raptiva’ Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML. To protect your legal rights, and to discuss your potential lawsuit with one of our experienced and compassionate Raptiva Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML lawyers, we urge you to contact us today for your FREE legal lawsuit consultation.
Raptiva was approved by the FDA in 2003. It is a once-weekly injection for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. ‘Raptiva’ works by suppressing the immune system to reduce psoriasis flare-ups; however, by suppressing the body’s natural defense system, it can also increase the risk of serious infections and malignancies in patients.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML, is a neurological disorder characterized by destruction of cells that produce the myelin, an oily substance that helps protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a virus called JC virus (JCV), which is carried by 85 percent of the population. JCV causes disease only when the immune system has been severely weakened.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML is a progressive disease, meaning it continues to get worse over time. The most prominent symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML include:
The progression of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML leads to life-threatening disability and (frequently) death. The best treatment for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML is the reversal of the immune suppressive state. In the case of Raptiva-induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML, this includes halting the drug therapy.
In April 2009, Genentech announced it had begun a voluntary, phased withdrawal of ‘Raptiva’ from the U.S. market, and that it would no longer be available after June 8, 2009. Health care providers were asked not to initiate Raptiva therapy in new patients, and immediately begin discussing with patients currently using ‘Raptiva’ on how to transition to alternative therapies.
The Raptiva market recall was announced after three Raptiva patients died as a result of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML was also the suspected cause of death in one other ‘Raptiva’ patient.
The Raptiva market withdrawal also followed two FDA alerts regarding the drug’s association with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML. The first was issued in October 2008, when the agency updated the Raptiva label to include a Black Box warning detailing the risk of life-threatening infections, including Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML. On February 19, 2009, just weeks before the ‘Raptiva’ market withdrawal was announced, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory after receiving reports of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML deaths among ‘Raptiva’ patients.
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