From The
Food & Drug Administration
Date Posted: April 8, 2009
Raptiva has been withdrawn from market due to risk to patients of developing
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Audience: Dermatological healthcare professionals, patients
Genentech and FDA notified healthcare professionals of the voluntary, phased
withdrawal of Raptiva, a medication
for treatment of psoriasis, from the
U.S. market due to a potential risk to patients of developing progressive
multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no
longer be available in the United States. Prescribers are being asked not
to initiate Raptiva treatment for any new patients. Prescribers should
immediately begin discussing with patients currently using Raptiva how
to transition to alternative therapies. The FDA strongly recommends that
patients work with their health care professional to transition to alternative
therapies for psoriasis.
Read the complete MedWatch 2009 Safety Summary, including links to the Dear
Healthcare Professional letter, the Dear Patient letter and the FDA statement,
at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2009/safety09.htm#Raptiva
<< BACK
TO DANGEROUS DRUG NEWS ARCHIVE