Raptiva
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Raptiva is a drug used to treat psoriasis, a skin condition similar to cancer. Side effects of this particular drug were brought to light including fungal diseases, progressive brain disease and neurological problems. If you or a loved one became injured because of Raptiva, please contact the dangerous drug lawyers at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
Psoriasis is a skin condition where T-cells in affected areas become overactive and create what are called plaques. Raptiva works by impeding the activity of these T-cells, thereby reducing the severity of outbreaks.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Problems with Raptiva (Efalizumab) had been documented soon after the drug was introduced. These problems included bacterial sepsis and meningitis. Then in April of 2009, the pharmaceutical company, Genentech Inc., pulled Raptiva off the market because of its association with the progressive brain disease, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
PML is an irreversible condition where the white matter in your brain begins to swell. Currently there is no cure for Raptiva-induced PML. Those affected typically suffer weeks or months of trauma and disability before death.
This disease is incredibly rare among the general population. However, of the 2,000 Americans who have been prescribed Raptiva, over the last five years, four of them have been diagnosed with PML. There may also be more people suffering from the disease who do not yet know they have it.
Symptoms of PML
The following are a list of symptoms associated with PML. If you are taking or have taken Raptiva and experience any of these, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Memory loss
- Difficulty speaking, slurring words
- Weakness
- Vision problems
- Loss of coordination, clumsiness
- Changes in personality
Other Life-Threatening Raptiva Infections
Aside from PML, there are other life-threatening conditions that can result from Raptiva. These include:
- Viral meningitis
- Bronchitis
- Encephalitis
- Other serious viral, fungal, opportunistic and bacterial infections
Drug Companies Should Be Held Liable
Because a drug company knowingly put a product used to treat a troubling skin condition on the market that could be potentially fatal, it should be held liable. Patients have also spent a great deal of money on this defective drug; Raptiva costs about $14,000 for a year of continuous treatment.
If you have been injured by Raptiva, you have the right to hold Genentech Inc. responsible for your injuries. If you live in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today. Serving clients in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, we will fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
