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Raptiva injections are prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, a troubling and disfiguring skin condition that often develops into psoriatic arthritis. The injections may be performed by the doctor, a nurse or the patient. Raptiva injections are subcutaneous (under the skin), and done weekly.

Raptiva from Your Pharmacist

Sterile disposable syringes and needles are provided with Raptiva (efalizumab) medication, which comes as a carton available from most pharmacists. The Raptiva is a drug powder that must be mixed with sterile water (which comes in the syringes supplied). The powder Raptiva dissolves in the syringe in about five minutes.

Raptiva Infections

Although Raptiva is FDA-approved for plaque psoriasis, clinically tested against placebos, etc., treatment with Raptiva drug is accompanied by a risk of infections. The way that Raptiva works is by blocking the activation/reactivation of T-cells, a specific type of cells that can lead to the development of plaque psoriasis. However, Raptiva may also hurt a patient's immune system at the same time, leaving him or her vulnerable to infection.

An FDA Public Health Advisory

In fact, the worst Raptiva infection was the basis of the recent withdrawal of Raptiva from the European market — and the U.S. market may follow suit soon. A deadly infection known as PML ("progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy") has been reported in several patients in both the U.S. and Europe, and in February 2009 the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory about the Raptiva–PML deaths.

PML is normally a very rare infection in the brain. The fact that three confirmed Raptiva patients developed PML and died from it is very troubling. The FDA had already required Genentech (the maker of Raptiva) to add a very clear and obvious warning about Raptiva's PML risk back in October 2008, and to take other steps to help prevent more cases of PML among patients taking Raptiva injections.

More Information about the Risks of Raptiva

Psoriasis can be very painful, and psoriasis suffers may also face discrimination. However, psoriasis treatment should not put a person at risk of a deadly disease like PML. If you have been using Raptiva injections for psoriasis — or your family member is being treated with Raptiva medication— you should get more information about the risks of Raptiva injections from your physician right away.

Get Legal Help for Raptiva Injuries

If you have suffered adverse effects of a Raptiva treatment (whether PML or other symptoms or problems), you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses including emotional pain and suffering, permanent disability and medical expenses. To learn more information about your legal rights, contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Raptiva attorney that represents people hurt by dangerous/defective drugs and medical devices.

"Raptiva side effect PML"

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary Raptiva recall, April 8, 2009. The Psoriasis drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, announced the voluntary Raptiva recall and has begun phasing the drug off the U.S. market. R...

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