 Raptiva (generically known as Efalizumab) is a medication used to treat psoriasis, which is characterized by red scaled patches on the skin, is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. Raptiva treats this disease by suppressing T-cells in the immune system. These cells are needed to fight infection, though, so Raptiva patients have increased risk of developing serious infection. It is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.
The pharmaceutical attorneys at the Singleton Law Firm can assist you if you have experienced any side effects from the use of this medication!
Raptiva was approved for the market on October 27, 2003 and is manufactured by Genentech, Inc. It has many known side effects which include the following: bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, invasive fungal disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, hemolytic anemia, necrotizing fasciitis, tuberculous pneumonia, severe pneumonia with neutropenia, encephalopathy, and lymphoma.
Raptiva received a black box warning in October of 2008 to highlight the risk of potentially fatal infections caused by the drug, including PML. In February 2009, the FDA announced the receiving of 3 confirmed and 1 possible case of PML in Raptiva patients, three of the patients died. After further investigations Genentech has recently voluntarily removed Raptiva from the market on April 8, 2009. However, an estimated 2,000 Americans have been exposed to the drug.
PML is a rare brain infection that affects the central nervous system. It is a disease the usually occurs in those with a weakened immune system and causes irreversible brain damage and possibly death. Common symptoms of PML include the following: loss of vision, fatigue, loss of coordination, memory loss, disorientation, progressive weakness, difficulty speaking, paralysis, and overall cognitive deterioration.
The disorder is caused by a virus that lays dormant in many, and only develops into PML when the host body’s immune system is compromised. Raptiva causes this compromise.
It can cause the following side effects: headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain within 48 hours of injection of the first two doses, back pain, and/or acne.
Serious side effects of Raptiva include the following: easy bruising or bleeding; bleeding gums; tiny red spots under the surface of skin; weakness; lightheadedness; dark or red urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes; red, stiff, swollen, or painful joints; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; rash or blisters; unusual skin changes or sores on the skin; new lumps or masses anywhere on the body; or sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Raptiva, or its generic form, may also increase the risk of developing cancer.
If you or someone you know have experienced any of these side effects and have taken Raptiva contact the Singleton Law Firm immediately. We will earn your trust!
Return to the Defective Drugs Listing > | 
