Raptiva – the psoriasis drug linked to PML

Did you know that Canada is the latest country to bring the hammer down on the use of Raptiva after the psoriasis drug had been linked to 3 confirmed and one suspected case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)? PML is a neurological condition that can result in reduced brain function and ultimately, death.

“Three, of the four patients died,” reports Gordon Gibb of www.lawyersandsettlements.com.” All four had been using the once-weekly injection of Raptiva for about 3 years.”

According to Mr. Gibb’s article, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) suspended sales of Raptiva just a few days after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory with regard to Raptiva.

Later Health Canada followed, and in early March, the Healthy Ministry of Kuala Lumpar also suspended the product. Merck Sdn Bhd, which holds the rights to the importation, sale and distribution of Raptiva in that country, was told in no uncertain terms by the Health Ministry there to halt all activity immediately.

“This all comes after the FDA issued its health advisory in February with regard to Raptiva and the possibility for PML. As well, according to Business Monitor International the FDA is also recommending a suspension of marketing for Raptiva–short of suspending the drug altogether–although there is nothing on the official web site of the US Food and Drug Administration to confirm this,” writes Mr. Gibb.

To learn more about the growing concern that Raptiva’s benefits no longer outweigh the risks please follow the link on my bio page and search the related article on the site.