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A Raptiva prescription is necessary for treatment with this relatively new drug (generic name, efalizumab). Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2003 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, Raptiva is available only to adults, by prescription from a physician.

Raptiva's Thirty-Three-Page Package Insert

The maker of Raptiva, San Francisco-based Genentech, provides a 33-page package insert for this prescription drug. Thirty-three pages is not an overly high number of pages for a package insert in light of the many relevant laws for prescription drugs on the U.S. market, but the Raptiva package insert and its Prescribing Information are in the news lately because of its several recent revisions.

Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Infections

For example, in October 2008 the FDA announced a new Boxed Warning on Raptiva's package insert to highlight the connection between Raptiva and infections such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a life-threatening disease that attacks the brain and the central nervous system. Currently, there is no effective treatment for PML, and when it is not fatal, it results in severe and irreversible disability.

The Prescribing Information regarding Raptiva treatment also describes the link between Raptiva and side effects such as:

• thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• hemolytic anemia (from very low red blood cell count)
• new or worsening forms of psoriasis
• new or worse arthritis

Weekly Subcutaneous Injections of Raptiva

Raptiva treatment for psoriasis involves weekly subcutaneous injections of the drug suspended in saline. Disposable needles and syringes are included with each package of Raptiva, along with dose information and the extensive Raptiva package insert that includes instructions on Raptiva injections.

Weakening of the Immune System May Occur

Raptiva combats plaque psoriasis by attacking T-cells, which are part of the body's immune system. Raptiva may also decrease the strength of a patient's immune system, leaving him or her more susceptible to infections such as PML. Thus, the development of PML, meningitis, arthritis and other immune-system disorders is a possibility when an individual is taking Raptiva, and the drug's Prescribing Information goes into great detail about these risks. See the Raptiva package insert for more information.

If You Were Given a Raptiva Prescription

If you were given a Raptiva prescription for moderate-to-severe psoriasis and you experienced adverse effects, you may be eligible for a legal remedy that compensates you for losses such as medical care and lost work time. Or, if your loved one died following a Raptiva treatment, you may qualify to recover compensation for emotional and financial damages incurred by you and your family. Learn more about your legal rights — contact us today to schedule a free, private consultation with a Raptiva attorney experienced in handling these types of injury cases.

"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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