Practice Areashot Topics |
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) Linked to Popular MedicationsIf 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:
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. |
Site SearchLargest SettlementsAuto AccidentA young child was hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian and was killed. Our firm maintained jointly responsible with another trial attorney, and the case was settled by this attorney before trial.
Our client was injured in a rear-end collision with a tractor-trailer truck and the vehicle burst into flames. She suffered a fractured vertebra, lacerations and burns. Our client was a 25-year-old woman who was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered a brain injury. Our client was struck by another vehicle as a pedestrian and suffered a brain injury, facial fractures and permanent loss of vision.
Medical MalpracticeA middle-aged man broke his ankle. After undergoing surgery he developed an infection in the bone and had to have his leg amputated below the knee. Our firm, while maintaining joint responsibility, referred the client to an experienced medical malpractice attorney who brought the case to trial. A child was taken to a local hospital. The parents were told the child was only suffering from a cold. The child was sent home without any tests being performed. The child was taken back to the hospital and, was diagnosed with Meningitis. Our firm, while maintaining joint responsibility, referred the client to an experienced medical malpractice attorney who settled the case. Dangerous DrugsA middle-aged woman sustained serious heart valve injury (i.e. primary pulmonary hypertension) from taking a prescribed diet drug Redux, which contains Fen/Phen. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with an experienced drug injury firm who settled the case.
A teenager committed suicide after taking an anti-depressant drug for several weeks. The young boy’s life was cut short just one week before his birthday. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with an experienced product liability attorney who settled the case. AsbestosA boiler operator working for the US Navy was diagnosed with mesothelioma 6 years after leaving the Navy. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with an experienced asbestos attorney, who was successful in collecting over $1 million in settlements for the clients.
Dog Bite InjuryOur client was a young boy who was attacked by a dog while at a friend’s home. The dog latched on to the boy’s nose requiring him to undergo plastic surgery. Our client was attacked by a dog and suffered severe bites that required surgery and skin grafts. Nursing Home NegligenceAn elderly man developed bedsores, pneumonia and became severely dehydrated while in a nursing home. His wife contacted our office for assistance. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who settled the case.
An 83 year-old woman developed severe bedsores while in a nursing home and was hospitalized. Her daughter contacted our office. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who settled the case.
This is general information only. You should not rely on this information as every case is different. You should consult an attorney, doctor, or other professional before making any legal or medical decisions. Videos |
Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Sitemap | Personal injury Blog | Dangerous Drug Blog |
||
The RI Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law. The Court does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist on any particular field of practice. d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C. is not a partnership but a professional corporation, where Attorney Paul d'Oliveira is the sole shareholder. Except for auto accidents, slip and fall, social security disability, and wrongful death cases, most cases listed above are not handled by this firm but are referred to other attorneys, and in most instances, where we refer a case to another attorney, this firm maintains joint responsibility pursuant to the ethical rules in RI. This website, provided by d’Oliveira & Associates, P.C., is an advertisement and offers general legal information, not legal advice. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. If you want legal advice you should contact an attorney directly. d’Oliveira & Associates, P.C. does not endorse any of the content on any of the linked websites. CLICK HERE for terms of use of this website and our website disclaimer and privacy policy. d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C. reserves the rights to change the terms and conditions and/or privacy statement from time to time. If you have any questions about the Terms and Use, Privacy Policy, the practices of this website, or would like to provide comments, please contact us by phone, fax, mail or email. d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C. 2540 Pawtucket Avenue. E. Providence, RI 02914. 1-800-992-6878. |
||