Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is viral brain infection that most often occurs in those with compromised immune systems. It is caused by reactivation of the JC virus, which is usually acquired during childhood and remains dormant in the kidneys. While 85% of people have the JC virus, it remains inactive in healthy people and only causes disease when the immune system is seriously compromised. Most people who develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have HIV, lymphoma or take immune-suppressing drugs, such as Raptiva.
Recent studies have shown that patients using Raptiva have a higher chance of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This increased chance occurs because Raptiva treats psoriasis by suppressing T-cells, which are needed to fight off infection. Therefore, patients taking the psoriasis drug have a greater chance of developing serious Raptiva infections, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. To date, the FDA has received three possible and one suspected case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Raptiva patients. All of these patients took the psoriasis drug for more than three years, and three of these patients have died from this life-threatening Raptiva side effect.
If you or a loved one has used Raptiva and been diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, fill out our free, no risk case evaluation form.
A side effect of Raptiva use, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy damages the myelin, which protects nerve cells and the white matter of the central nervous system. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the disease, most patients diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy die within months. Some symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy include:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can usually be diagnosed with a MRI or CT scan. During these imaging scans, a doctor may see white matter lesions, which would suggest the presence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Treatment for this Raptiva side effect is usually supportive, as antiviral medications have shown to have little benefit.
The Raptiva lawyers at Morgan and Morgan are dedicated to holding pharmaceutical companies responsible for the side effects of their drugs. Our attorneys are skilled in handling various types of defective drug cases, including Raptiva lawsuits. If you or a loved one has developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after using Raptiva, contact our Raptiva attorneys today.
1-877-MORGAN-LAW
Guided Case Review