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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) Linked to Popular Medications

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PML, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of d’Oliveira & Associates for a free, confidential consultation.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, known as PML, is a severe brain infection that usually results in death. This life threatening disorder has been linked to many popular medications including Raptiva, Rituxan, Tysabri, Campath, and Cellcept.  PML is a disease of the white matter of the brain that can develop simultaneously in several areas.

PML is an infection caused by the JC virus, which attacks the body when the immune system is weakened. The JC virus is often attained during childhood and remains in the person’s body as they enter adulthood. Even as adults, most people with the JC virus still do not develop PML. However, if a person’s immune system is weakened or suppressed, the JC virus activates. This results in PML attacking the brain and central nervous system.

Most often, people suffering from AIDS develop PML because their immune system is weakened. However, drugs that suppress the immune system have also been linked to PML. Most notably, the anti-psoriasis drug Raptiva has been linked to PML. Genentech, the manufacturer of Raptiva, removed the drug from the United States market after a number of reported cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) emerged in Raptiva users. PHL has not only been a reported side effect of Raptiva, but has also been linked to other popular drugs including Rituxan, Tysabri, Campath, and Cellcept.

In September 2008, a patient prescribed Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis died from PML. Following his death, Rituxan’s manufacturer, Genentech, added a warning to Rituxan labels indicating that side effects of the drug might include PML. The FDA has also indicated that side effects of the medication Tysabri, a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, may include PML. This FDA warning followed reports of two patients developing PML after being prescribed Tysabri. In 2005, Tysabri was removed from the market after three more patients developed PML. However, the drug regained approval in 2006.

Early symptoms of PML may include weakness in extremities (hands or legs), trouble concentrating or developing thoughts, or impaired coordination.

Other, more serious symptoms of PML include:

  • Impaired Speech and/or Vision Loss
  • Breakdown of Muscles/Paralysis
  • Memory Failure/Mental Declination
  • Cognition Failure
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Death

PML may be diagnosed by MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), spinal taps (insertion of a needle into the spine to collect spinal fluid for examination), or, the most invasive method of diagnosis, a brain biopsy. Treating this disease is very difficult because most medications cannot successfully enter the brain. Initially the prognosis for PML patients was not very good, but more recently the prognosis has improved. Reversing the immune deficiencies of the body is currently the best treatment for PML.

Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PML, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of d’Oliveira & Associates for a free, confidential consultation. An injury lawyer familiar in the investigation of dangerous drugs may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.

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