Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Linked to Brain Infection Injury
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a health advisory warning, about a reported link between the use of the psoriasis drug Raptiva and the occurrence of a rare brain infection injury.
FDA regulators received 3 reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients using Raptiva, a psoriasis drug manufactured by Genentech. The agency was also informed of at least one "possible" case of infection. Two of the confirmed PML patients as well as the sole possible patient died. All 4 patients had been taking the psoriasis drug for more than 3 years. The agency is reviewing the incidence of PML in patients using Raptiva and has announced that it will take steps to ensure that patients taking the medication are not placed at excessive risk.
Progressive multifocal luekoencephalopathy (PML), which usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems, can result in a decline in nerve function and is usually fatal. The infection is marked by an inflammation of the white matter of the brain. It is seen very often in patients suffering from AIDS or other immune deficiency disorders. Symptoms may include:
- muscle weakness
- loss of coordination
- speaking difficulties
- vision problems
- personality changes
Individuals often become progressively clumsy and are, ultimately, left with serious disability. People who suffer from PML have a grim prognosis. Approximately 80% of PML patients can die within 6 months of contracting the infection. .jpg)
Those who do survive may find themselves with severe neurological difficulties. People with AIDS who suffer from PML may find that the anti-HIV drugs they take can help alleviate the symptoms of PML. People taking medications that suppress immunity are especially at risk for PML. Of the 4 Raptiva users who contracted PML, no one was taking any other immune-suppressive medications. The FDA has confirmed that it will take steps to make sure that patients taking Raptiva are informed of PML symptoms and that these patients are monitored by healthcare professionals for any sign of the infection.
Almost all pharmaceutical drugs come with a set of side effects or adverse reactions. Therefore, testing pharmaceuticals is very important – the benefits of the drug should be weighed against its risks and it should be prescribed accordingly. If a drug is proved to cause a risk of a potentially fatal and debilitating disease, its generally safe to say that the benefits of the drug are not worth the risk of serious illness. Unfortunately, very often, inadequate testing and rushed approval processes cause adverse reactions to come to light only after illnesses and injuries have resulted from the use of the drug.
Medical Injury Lawyers
People injured by the use of a defective pharmaceutical drug often need the help of a medical injury lawyer to recover damages for their injuries.
If you have been injured by a dangerous drug, contact a medical injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.
