Raptiva

Matthews & Associates - Raptiva

Raptiva was manufactured by Genentech USA, Inc. and approved for market use in 2003. This injectable drug was used for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

In late 2008, the FDA ordered that a black box warning be placed on Raptiva’s insert because it caused a serious neurological disease named Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, or PML. This neurological disease substantially destroys the nerve impulses in the brain and affects one’s vision, balance, strength, talking, walking, and thinking.

In addition to PML, Raptiva has been known to cause other immunosuppressant diseases such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), facial palsy, sepsis, and transverse myelitis. In February 2009, the European drug agency decided to suspend all sales of Raptiva in Europe because its risks outweighed its benefits. Despite this harsh warning, the drug manufacturer continued to sell Raptiva in the United States until April 9, 2009, when it withdrew the drug from the market.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a type of neurological disorder that has affected your balance, abilities, vision, and other motor skills, and have used Raptiva in the past, please contact Matthews & Associates today. Attorneys are available by phone, email, or by clicking here.