NEWS: 2/26/2009

Raptiva linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, also known as PLM is a side effect of this psoriasis drug. Other know Raptiva side effects include: Brain Infection, and  Progressive Brain Disease.

What is PML? (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy)

PML is a rare brain infection that tends to affect patients whose immune systems are in a weakened state.  In fact, the active virus associated with PML, Polyomavirus JC, or the JC virus, is carried and present in most people, but those with healthy immune systems are never affected by it.  However, this is not apparently the case with those who have used Raptiva.

What’s even more problematic is that the symptoms of PML can be very diverse, making a clear diagnosis difficult.  The reason for this difficulty is that the JC virus causes a loss of white matter known as myelin in the brain that affects several areas where the needed protection offered by myelin is no longer present.

If injured from Raptiva please visit this website to contact a Raptiva Lawyer Today. 

Other facts on Raptiva can be found at this Raptiva and PML information web site.

This Raptiva and PML information was updated on 2/26/2009.