Raptiva will no longer be available in the United States By June 8, 2009. Genentech, makers of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) have announced a voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the US market after learning of a rare but serious risk to patients taking the drug.
The risk factor behind this recall is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious, progressive neurologic disease caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system.
Healthcare professionals should not initiate Raptiva treatment for new patients and should immediately contact current patients who have been prescribed Raptiva to discuss other treatment options for psoriasis.
While PML usually only occurs in people whose immune systems have been severely weakened, it often leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and eventually death.
Raptiva is a once-weekly injection for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. See our earlier warning here.
Doctors with questions about Raptiva may contact Genentech Medical Communications at (800) 821-8590. Patients should contact their doctor.
If you have developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) after taking Raptiva, and have already seen your doctor, you may have legal recourse. Use the form below to find out.
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