Raptiva Recall Lawsuits

Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia

On April 8, 2009, pharmaceutical manufacturer Genentech issued a voluntary recall for Raptiva, a drug used to treat psoriasis. This will be a gradual recall that will occur over several months. By June 8, 2009, Raptiva will be completely off the market.

Genentech has issued the recall because patients taking the drug are at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare progressive neurologic disease resulting from a virus affecting the central nervous system. There have already been at least four reported cases of PML among Raptiva users. Three of the four have died. Most likely, there are many other cases that have not yet been reported.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

PML is a rare disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is usually fatal. Patients with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of contracting PML. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for the disease.

Symptoms of PML include:

• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Vision loss
• Impaired speech
• Cognitive deterioration
• Death

Raptiva's Troubled History

Raptiva was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Patients taking the drug receive an injection once a week.

On October 16, 2008, the FDA updated Raptiva's warning label to inform patients of the risk of potentially life-threatening conditions, including PML. On February 19, 2009, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory warning Raptiva patients of the serious risks associated with the development of PML and documenting the four cases that have already been reported. On March 13, 2009, the FDA once again updated Raptiva's warning label with additional information on the risk of developing PML.

Raptiva has been associated with an increased risk of developing the following conditions:

• PML
• Brain infections
• Viral meningitis
• Sepsis
• Invasive fungal disease

If you are currently taking Raptiva, you should consult your physician immediately to discuss alternative treatments for your psoriasis. If you have developed a dangerous condition from taking Raptiva, you should report it to the FDA's Medwatch Program.

Raptiva Recall Lawyers

The lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. have extensive experience handling pharmaceutical injury cases. Our experienced product liability lawyers have the skills, resources, and background to handle these complex lawsuits and can provide you with the greatest likelihood of success on your claim.

If you have suffered an injury from taking Raptiva, you are entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Please contact the Washington, D.C. pharmaceutical injury attorneys at Chaiken, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.

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