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Raptiva warnings are quite extensive. As a treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, this drug (generic name, efalizumab) is not a first-line choice for psoriasis; rather, it is to be prescribed only for individuals with the kind of psoriasis that can't be treated with topical medications.

Warning about Post-June 2009 Raptiva Sale

Genentech USA, Inc., the manufacturer of Raptiva, states on their Raptiva website that the company has decided to voluntarily stop selling Raptiva, and they warn patients that:

“Pharmacies will only refill prescriptions until Monday June 8, 2009. It is important that you have enough time to plan a change to another treatment before stopping RAPTIVA.”

The reason for the withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. market is a potential side effect of this drug — a debilitating, usually fatal brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In October 2008, the FDA required that a new, "black box" warning about the Raptiva–PML risk be added to the packaging and prescription information for Raptiva. The withdrawal of Raptiva is the latest development.

Warning about Stopping Raptiva Treatment

Genentech's Raptiva website also warns patients and physicians that stopping Raptiva treatment suddenly can lead to serious side effects. The company advises Raptiva patients to:

• Talk to their doctors before stopping Raptiva treatment (the once-weekly syringe/needle subcutaneous injections)
• Discuss other psoriasis treatment options with their doctors as soon as possible
• Read the Medication Guide that comes with Raptiva to familiarize themselves with the side effects of Raptiva and the symptoms of PML and other grave side effects

PML: A Progressive, Nearly Always Fatal Brain Infection

As the Warning text that accompanies Raptiva notes, there is no medical intervention that can treat PML, the following symptoms of which progress over days to weeks:

• clumsiness of limbs
• disturbance of vision
• progressive weakness on one side of the body
• changes in thinking, memory, and orientation, leading to personality changes and confusion

PML is nearly always fatal, and individuals who don't die from PML are left severely disabled.

Help for Psoriasis Patients Treated with Raptiva

If you're a psoriasis patient who was treated with Raptiva, talk to a defective-drugs attorney to discuss your concerns. Contact our Raptiva lawyer to schedule a private no-cost consultation.

"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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