The FDA recently announced that Raptiva has been linked to at least cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a brain infection that causes serious neurological problems. In fact, most people who develop PML die within 6 months. The three confirmed cases of PML linked to Rapitva have resulted in death.

Raptiva is often prescribed to adults with moderate to severe cases of plaque Psoriasis who are candidates for photo-therapy or other oral or injected treatments.Raptiva is taken as a weekly injection.The generic name for Raptiva is efalizumab.

More common Side effects of Raptiva reported in clinical studies include:

Mild Side Effects
Mild Side effects happen most often after the first dose of Raptiva and generally decrease after additional doses.

• acne
• back pain
• chills
• fever
• flu syndrome
• headache
• infections
• nausea

More Serious Side Effects
These side effects are more rare than the mild ones

• Psoriasis Relapse
• Development of Arthritis
• Serious Infections
• Bacterial sepsis: a blood infection that can affect organs throughout the body
• Viral meningitis: a brain infection
• Invasive fungal disease: fungal infection that can spread throughout the body
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): a rare brain infection

An Alternative Approach to Psoriasis Treatment
While some cases may be too severe to treat with topical treatments, non-toxic methods such as Psoriasil have been known to help Psoriasil is composed of essential oils and anionic and non-ionic surfactants that are made to help balance your skin’s natural pH level Also, regular use of a good moisturizing cream can help as well. A moisturizing cream keeps your skin moist and supple to speed healing during the treatment, an important step for serious psoriasis problems.

Sources:
beatpsoriasis.com (2009).Raptiva Efalizumab Psoriasis Drug. http://www.beatpsoriasis.com/raptiva-efalizumab.htm.

Hitti, M. (2009). Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Gets FDA Warning
‘Black Box’ Warning Will Note Risk of Dangerous Infections. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/news/20081016/psoriasis-drug-raptiva-gets-black-box.

Psoriasis.org (2008). http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/biologics/raptiva.php.

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