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Raptiva
Raptiva (efalizumab) is a drug that was developed by Genentech for treating psoriasis and was approved by the U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) in 2003.
Unfortunately, Raptiva has been associated with a possible side effect/injury,progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (and death), a rare and usually fatal disease of the central nervous system and brain. Around 80 percent of those who develop PML die within six months. PML causes serious neurological problems for those who survive the disease.
According to many reports, the recalled/withdrawn drug Raptiva may have a number of serious side effects, including:
- Chills or fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flu like symptoms
- Sore Throat
Some of the more common symptoms to look for may include:
- Clumsiness
- Progressive Weakness
- Visual changes
- Speech changes and possible personality changes
U.S. FDA Action
In October, 2008, the FDA asked Genentech to add a black box warning to Raptiva listing PML as a possible side effect, as well as other dangerous conditions. On February 19, 2009, the FDA announced four cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious brain infection, were likely caused by the drug Raptiva.
On April 8, 2009, Genentech and FDA notified healthcare professionals of the voluntary, phased withdrawal of the drug Raptiva, a medication for treatment of psoriasis, from the U.S. market due to a potential risk to patients of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no longer be available in the United States. (recall/withdrawn)
If you are taking Raptiva and developed an injury, side effect or health concern, please speak to a doctor immediately.
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