Raptiva Psoriasis Medication Recalled by Genentech
Raptiva, the psoriasis treatment drug has been recalled from the US market by its manufacturer, Genentech. Genentech had previously removed Raptiva from the Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, and African markets due to the serious side-effects that came from its use. In a letter to patients explaining the reason for the recall dated April 8, 2009, Genentech cited Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) as primary risk for which the drug was removed. It is also known, however, that Raptiva can cause and exacerbate terrible infections such as bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, invasive fungal disease, or cause cancer or severe skin reactions in certain patients.
What is Raptiva?
Raptiva, which has the generic name of efalizumab, is manufactured by Genentech Inc. Raptiva is a drug used for the treatment of chronic, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition involving the abnormal growth of new skin cells in patches called plaques. The growth can result in scaling and inflammation of the skin. Raptiva is what is known as an immunosuppressive agent, and is designed to work by blocking immune cells that cause the development of these psoriasis plaques. Raptiva received its approval from the FDA in 2003 and Raptiva is taken in the form of injections once every week.
Raptiva Side Effects
The common side effects of Raptiva may include nausea, headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pain. Raptiva works to suppresses the immune system. Decreasing the activity of the immune system may increase the risk of infection. Raptiva may also lead to the reactivation of any existing latent infections. Patients with a history of serious recurrent infections should exercise caution and discuss the possibility of infection with their doctor when considering treatment with Raptiva. Possible infections resulting from a weakened immune system may include sepsis, bronchitis, aseptic meningitis, abscess, cellulites, and Legionnaire's disease.
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Raptiva and FDA Warning
The FDA added a new warning for Raptiva concerning a form of anemia known as immunemediated hemolytic anemia. Anemia of this type occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys oxygen-carrying red blood cells. The immune system destroys them as the red blood cells are mistakenly identified as foreign substances. According to some reports, during the clinical trials for Raptiva, two cases of hemolytic anemia occurred. An additional two cases of hemolytic anemia reportedly occurred after Raptiva went onto the market. Patients who are prescribed Raptiva should be aware of the symptoms of hemolytic anemia and should alert their physician or medical provider of any symptoms. The symptoms of hemolytic anemia may include abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath, jaundice, and brown or red urine. The FDA warning also deals with the possible link to a rare blood disease known as thrombocytopenia, and to reports of serious infections. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the blood does not clot properly because the patients have low levels of platelets, which are cells that are needed in blood clotting. The serious infections warning includes necrotizing fasciitis, tuberculosis pneumonia, and severe bloodstream infection.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Raptiva and noticed adverse side effects, such as serious infection or anemia, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Raptiva litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Raptiva. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Raptiva Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Raptiva-P84/'>Raptiva: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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