Raptiva Brain Infection Articles

Daly City, CA: After getting FDA approval in 2003, Raptiva was used to treat about 46,000 patients worldwide. In April, Genentech's immunosuppressant for psoriasis was withdrawn from the market after it was associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis (PML)—a rare brain disease. So far only three cases have been associated with the drug, but PML is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. And given the amount of patients prescribed Raptiva, the drug may be withdrawn but we likely haven't heard the last of it…

Chicago, IL: In less than two weeks Raptiva will no longer be available in the United States, and doctors for weeks have been instructed not to start new patients on the psoriasis drug due to concern over Raptiva side effects and Raptiva PML.

Memphis, TN: Gloria was prescribed Raptiva for severe psoriasis and she says it worked "like a charm". She stayed on it for about 4 years, until she developed troubling side effects. Gloria has been a registered nurse for over 30 years—right away she thought these symptoms were associated with Raptiva.

McComb Township, MI: Withdrawing Raptiva from the market due to the possible risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has left many psoriasis sufferers anxious and concerned. Some users of this psoriasis drug have been taking it for several years and are just now finding out that they might be at risk. Scott F. has unexplainable symptoms and he wonders if they are Raptiva side effects. "When I read about this brain disease it really scared me," says Scott.

Washington, DC: The recent decision to suspend Raptiva by its manufacturer due to concerns over Raptiva and PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) represents a bit of good news for critics who had reservations that Raptiva's risks outweighed the benefits. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been closely monitoring Raptiva for a while now. However the precursor to Raptiva FDA removal from the US market is Health Canada, which ordered the suspension of Raptiva in that country in February.

Washington, DC: On April 8, 2009 Genentech Inc., the manufacturer of Raptiva (efalizumab) announced it has voluntarily withdrawn its psoriasis drug from the US market. The decision is based on the association of Raptiva and PML or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare and usually fatal disease of the central nervous system. Sadly, the withdrawal was not soon enough for three patients who have died from PML after taking Raptiva for more than three years. Another patient treated with Raptiva developed progressive neurologic symptoms and died of unknown cause.

Baton Rouge, LA: If you have been taking Raptiva for psoriasis, you can be forgiven if you are a bit hesitant the next time you have your injection. After all, the link between Raptiva and PML, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, is a scary one. Most people would probably think twice before using a medication that can cause brain infections. Although the FDA has taken some action against Raptiva, it has allowed the drug to stay on the market, leaving some critics wondering why, especially when there are other treatments available for psoriasis.

Washington, DC: Canada is the latest country to bring the hammer down on the use of Raptiva after the psoriasis drug had been linked to 3 confirmed and one suspected case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a neurological condition that can result in reduced brain function and ultimately, death.

Washington, DC: On February 19 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory concerning three confirmed, and one possible report of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection, in patients using the psoriasis drug Raptiva. However, the FDA knew of Raptiva's potentially lethal side effects back in October 2008. Critics—and legal experts--say Raptiva was put on the market too early, and consumers have suffered the consequences.

Springfield, IL: Kristina says she took only one dose of Raptiva before being rushed to the emergency room 24 hours later. "They suspected meningitis," says Kristina, "then one of the doctors at the hospital did some research and told me there were 2 other reported cases of meningitis associated with Raptiva."