Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyer - Neurological Problems

Raptiva Withdrawn From Market Due to Risk of Neurological Disease Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Jean Martin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:56:30 GMT

The FDA announced today that the manufacturer of the psoriasis drug Rapitva has begun a voluntary withdrawal of the prescription drug from the U.S. Market. The withdrawal is due to the risk of patients developing Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a progressive neurological disease caused by a virus in the central nervous system. It is often thought of as a brain infection and causing brain damage. Symptoms include clumsiness, muscle weakness, vision and speech impairment and mental deterioration, memory failure or dementia. there is no known treatment or cure for PML.

In October 2008, the FDA required that the label for Raptiva be updated to warn of the risk of serious infections, including PML. In February of this year, the FDA advised that 3 deaths due to PML had been associated with the use of Raptiva.

Patients should never stop taking prescription medication without the advice and approval of their doctor. Stopping Raptiva can have serious side effects, so patients should consult their physicians before taking any action.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jean Martin

Heartburn Drug Reglan May Cause Movement Disorder Tardive Dyskinesia

Jean Martin — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:31:00 GMT

In February, the FDA ordered the manufacturer of the heartburn drug, Reglan, to add a black box warning advising of an increased risk of Tardive Dyskinesia. Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements. Features of the disorder may include twitching, grimacing, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, rapid eye blinking, and rapid movements of the arms or legs.

Reglan, and its generic form metoclopramide, is used to treat chronic heartburn in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). These side effects are serious because there is no known treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia and the symptoms are rarely reversible. In some cases, the symptoms may become less severe once the patient stops taking Reglan.

See your doctor immediately if you are taking Reglan and have developed any involuntary movements. Patients should not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting their doctors first.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jean Martin

Psoriasis Drug Raptiva May Cause Serious Brain Infection

Jean Martin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:29:03 GMT

The FDA recently announced that the Psoriasis drug, Raptiva, has been linked to three, and possibly a fourth, cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a brain infection that causes serious neurological problems. Most people who develop PML die within 6 months. Unfortunately, all three of the confirmed cases of PML linked to Rapitva have resulted in death.

Raptiva is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that leads to inflammation of the skin. The inflammation cuases patches of scaly, red skin, and the skin can itch or burn. Raptiva is a once-a-week injection.

Signs and symptoms of PML include: confusion, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, visual impairment, seizures, and difficulting talking or walking.

Patients using Raptiva injections for the treatment of Psoriasis should be on the lookout for the development of any neurological problems. Patients should consult their doctors immediately for any problems that develop.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jean Martin