Philadelphia Raptiva Recall Attorneys
The drug Raptiva® (efalizumab) has been voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S. market by its manufacturers Genentech, Inc. Raptiva is used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis in adults eighteen years or older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and affects nearly 2.3 million Americans.
Genetech has recalled Raptiva for its association with increasing the risk of causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare and progressive disease of the central nervous system that leads to severe disability or death.
Raptiva should not be prescribed by physicians to any new patients whatsoever. Genetech has informed potential prescribers, clinical trial investigators, patients and distributors of the choice to remove Raptiva from the U.S. market. Since FDA approval in 2003, an estimated 46,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Raptiva.
Approximately 2,000 United States patients may be currently using Raptiva for chronic plaque psoriasis. These individuals should discuss the best treatment alternative with their physician immediately. After June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no longer be available. It is extremely important for patients who are currently taking Raptiva to discontinue use of the drug in an appropriate manner since abrupt discontinuation may worsen severe psoriasis conditions.
Considering that psoriasis is a disease with currently no known cure, patients require pharmaceutical treatment they can trust and rely on to help them with their condition - not make it worse or create the risk of death. Although Genetech has issued a voluntary withdrawal of Raptiva, there have been three known cases of diagnosed PML in patients receiving Raptiva and one reported patient treated with Raptiva who died of unknown cause after developing progressive neurologic symptoms.
If you or a loved one has taken or are currently taking Raptiva and have suffered from PML or other disabilities or side effects, you should seek medical attention right away. It is also important to contact the aggressive and experienced Pennsylvania Raptiva Side Effects Lawyers at Cherry Fieger and Marciano, LLP, who have the skills and knowledge to successfully represent clients against large pharmaceutical companies.
As a manufacturer responsible for the development of safe pharmaceuticals, the company has an obligation and duty to make a product that doesn’t cause any harm to its users. If a manufacturer produces drugs or supplements that turn out to be defective, they should and can be held accountable for the injuries they cause. Even though there was an update of Rativa’s prescribing information in October of 2008 to include a boxed warning on the risk of serious infections, including PML, in patients receiving Raptiva, any user who has suffered because of the drug deserves compensation. Hiring a skilled PA drug injury attorney can help you prove that the manufacturer was responsible for producing a defective product, which is an extremely difficult and complicated part of your case.
At Cherry Fieger and Marciano, LLP, the dedicated Pennsylvania pharmaceutical drug litigation attorneys will defend your rights as a consumer and hold the pharmaceutical company responsible for your pain and suffering or the wrongful death of a loved one. Get the monetary compensation that you and your family deserve. Please call Cherry Fieger and Marciano, LLP today for a free consultation.
