Raptiva® treats psoriasis by suppressing the immune system. The drug is manufactured by Genentech, Inc., and was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. On February 19, 2009, the FDA issued a public health advisory on Raptiva® after receiving reports of a deadly brain infection known as Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in persons using Raptiva.  This public health advisory follows the “black box’ warning (the strongest warning the FDA can give) which was added to Raptiva’s label in October 2008 emphasizing the increased likelihood of the following conditions to those who take Raptiva®:

• Progressive Multifocal Leuikoencephalopathy (PML)

• Bacterial sepsis (blood infection)
• Viral meningitis
• Invasive fungal disease

 

There have been three confirmed cases and one possible case of PML in people using Raptiva®. In addition, Raptiva® may cause permanent immune system suppression if used by persons under the age of 18. If you or someone you love has been affected by this dangerous drug, you may be eligible for compensation for your Raptiva® injury.

 

How Raptiva® Works

 

Psoriasis is an immune system disorder in which white blood cells (the part of your immune system that normally recognizes foreign materials in the body) mistakenly attack skin cells. It causes increased growth of the skin cells, which cannot be shed, but instead pile up and create skin lesions.  Raptiva® is one of many treatment options available for temporarily suppressing the disorder.

 

Raptiva® works by binding to a gene that regulates the ability of white blood cells to adhere to other cell types. Unfortunately, this gene performs several other important functions related to regulating the immune system, so the use of Raptiva® can cause a generalized suppression of the immune system, and inability to fight off infections.

 

Raptiva® is delivered by a once-weekly injection that is performed either by a health care provider or by the patient, following demonstration and instruction by a health care provider.

 

Precautions for Raptiva® Use

 

When the FDA made changes to the label of Raptiva®, adding its black box warning, it also issued guidelines for reducing the risks for people using Raptiva®:

• Persons with pre-existing infections or compromised immune systems should talk to health care providers about risks.
• Do not receive vaccinations while using Raptiva®.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of serious infections related to Raptiva®.
• Watch for signs of worsening psoriasis or arthritis.
• Watch for signs of nervous system disorder, including sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or face.

 

If you recognize any signs of worsening psoriasis or arthritis, infections, or nervous disorder, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

 

If You Have Been Injured

 

The product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton have the experience, knowledge, and resources to get full compensation for your Raptiva injury. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today.