Drug Warning: Raptiva
Generic name: efalizumab
Manufactured and marketed by: Genentech
Purpose: Used for the treatment of chronic, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Side Effects Reported
- The common side effects of Raptiva may include nausea, headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pain.
- Raptiva works to suppresses the immune system. Decreasing the activity of the immune system may increase the risk of infection.
- Raptiva may also lead to the reactivation of any existing latent infections.
- Patients with a history of serious recurrent infections should exercise caution and discuss the possibility of infection with their doctor when considering treatment with Raptiva.
- Possible infections resulting from a weakened immune system may include sepsis, bronchitis, aseptic meningitis, abscess, cellulites, and Legionnaire's disease.
Industry Report
The FDA added a new warning for Raptiva concerning a form of anemia known as immunemediated hemolytic anemia. Anemia of this type occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys oxygen-carrying red blood cells. The immune system destroys them as the red blood cells are mistakenly identified as foreign substances. According to some reports, during the clinical trials for Raptiva, two cases of hemolytic anemia occurred. An additional two cases of hemolytic anemia reportedly occurred after Raptiva went onto the market. Patients who are prescribed Raptiva should be aware of the symptoms of hemolytic anemia and should alert their physician or medical provider of any symptoms.
Seeger Weiss is not currently pursuing lawsuits on this drug, but its drug warnings will remain on our radar.
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