The law firm of Davis & Crump, P. C. is evaluating the potential for lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have developed a rare brain infection known as PML, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.  On April 8, 2009. Genentech finally decided to issue a Raptiva recall, acknowledging that the potential risk of developing PML brain infection side effects outweighs any benefits provided by the drug.

 

At least four cases of Raptiva PML brain infections have been confirmed by health officials among users of the once-weekly psoriasis injection.   However, the true number of people who have experienced this side effect is likely between 10 and 100 times the number of confirmed cases.

 

In October 2008, the FDA updated the warning label to warn about the risk of potentially life-threatening Raptiva infection side effects, including bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis, invasive fungal disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other opportunistic infections.

 

On February 19, 2009, a public health advisory was issued about the risk of Raptiva causing PML infection side effects, after four users of the drug were diagnosed with the brain disease.   Three of those patients have died.

 

Although a Raptiva recall was issued in Canada and Europe in February, Genentech continued to sell the drug in the United States until April 8, 2009, when the drug maker agreed to remove it from the market by June, 2009.

 

Raptiva PML brain infections are extremely rare, but it attacks the central nervous system and usually results in death.   Those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to the disease, and there is no known cure or treatment.   Symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy could include:
          ●        Weakness
          ●        Paralysis
          ●        Vision Loss
          ●        Impaired speech
          ●        Cognitive Deterioration
          ●        Death
 

Contact Us
Davis & Crump now handling claims for PML, Lymphoma, Thrombocytopenia and brain or blood infections. If you or a loved one have been injured by Raptiva, contact us at 1-800-277-0300 or send us an email at info@daviscrump.com.