The psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) was recalled in April 2009 by the manufacturer, Genetech, due to the potential risk to patients of a disease known as PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). This is a rare, but serious, and most often fatal, infection of the brain. The infection attacks the central nervous system and, due to the weakened immune systems of these psoriasis patients, usually results in death. There is no known cure or treatment for this disease.
The symptoms generally associated with the disease are:
Raptiva is administered in the form of a weekly injection. The drug was prescribed for adult patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who were candidates for whole body therapy or phototherapy. The drug suppresses the T-cells, which left untreated, results in inflamed skin patches associated with psoriasis. In some patients, however, Raptiva decreased the immune system to a point where it could no longer fight off infections.
Raptiva use has also been believed to have other serious side effects such as viral meningitis, sepsis infection of the kidneys or lungs, lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).
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