Raptiva Lawsuits Attorneys

On April 8, 2009, the pharmaceutical company Genentech Inc. pulled a psoriasis drug called Raptiva (Efalizumab) off the U.S. market due to association with potentially fatal Raptiva side effects – namely a progressive brain disease called Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Problems with serious Raptiva side effects have been documented in the past – these have included increased risk for fungal diseases and bacterial sepsis and meningitis while taking Raptiva. The manufacturers at Genentech Inc. had contended that the drug was on balance doing more good than bad for patients up until the sudden reversal.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a progressive brain disease that's exceedingly rare in the general population. However, out of the 2000 people in the U.S. who have been prescribed Efalizumab in the past five years, four of them have come down with PML – a rate of one out of 500. Moreover, it's unknown how many other people out there might be suffering from similar progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or other side effects; at the end of the day, the figure might be higher still. (NOTE: PML has been found to be associated with other prophylactic pharmaceuticals.)

Genentech Inc. and its parent company Roche may be liable for Raptiva injuries in certain cases. Already, in the wake of the U.S. Raptiva recall, plaintiffs around the country have been amassing evidence to potentially sue for remuneration.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that's similar to cancer. Essentially, T-cells in affected areas become overactive and create what are known as plaques. The drug Efalizumab was designed to impede the activity of T-cells and thus reduce the severity of outbreaks.

Despite the specter of Raptiva lawsuits, Genentech Inc. plans to do what's known as a phased withdrawal. Patients who are currently taking the drug have been advised to discuss a withdrawal plan with their physicians. An overly rapid withdrawal from Raptiva can lead to a worsening of psoriasis.

If you or a loved one is suffering from confusion, loss of coordination, speech problems, or trouble seeing after having taken Raptiva, contact the experienced attorneys at Anapol Schwartz for information about your legal rights as a potential plaintiff against the drug manufacturer.

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