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On
February 19, 2009, the FDA issued a public health
advisory about a rare brain infection among some
users of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab). |
 Raptiva®
Raptiva is a medication given by injection to patients 18 and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the most common case of psoriasis.
On February 19th, 2009, the FDA issued a public health advisory about a rare brain infection among some users of Raptiva. The FDA reports that there have been three confirmed and one possible case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in people taking Raptiva. Three Raptiva users have died. In October 2008, a Black Boxed Warning was added to the Raptiva label warning of the risks of life-threatening infections, including PML.
PML is a
rare, serious, progressive neurologic disease caused by
a virus that affects the central nervous system. PML
usually occurs in people whose immune systems have been
severely weakened and often results in an irreversible
decline in neurologic function and death. There is currently
no known effective treatment for PML. PML symptoms may
include unusual weakness, loss of coordination, changes
in vision, difficulty speaking, and personality changes.
Symptoms Include:
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
- Bacterial Sepsis
- Viral Meningitis
- Invasive Fungal Disease
- Other Opportunistic Infections
If you or love one have been diagnosed with PML or serious side
effects following Raptiva use, please contact
the Steinberg Law Firm P.C. at 888-529-4688 or email andrewsteinberg@lawyer.com.
Consult A Lawyer on Legal Issues
We encourage you to contact us at 888-529-4688
to discuss your Raptiva case with an experienced personal
injury and wrongful death attorney.
| » Fill out this form if you need additional information or want to discuss a potential claim with an attorney. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential. Please e-mail Andrew E. Steinberg* at: andrewsteinberg@lawyer.com for a free, confidential consultation, or call us at 888-529-4688. |
| » If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day). |
Consult A Doctor On Medical Issue
The Steinberg law firm does not intend, by this web site
or otherwise, to dissuade anyone from taking medication
without their doctors' approval. Please consult your
doctor, not your lawyer, on matters relating to your
health. It could be dangerous to stop taking medicines,
especially abruptly. Patients should talk to their physicians
to decide whether the benefits and risks of taking Raptiva® make
it the right choice for them.
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