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Voluntary Removal of Raptiva in U.S. Market
Update: Prescription Coverage Change Effective June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no longer be covered. This means that if a member chooses to use Raptiva after June 8, he/she will be responsible for the full price of the drug. This change is a result of the following information. The FDA and Genentech have informed healthcare professionals of the voluntary, phased removal of Raptiva from the U.S. market. Raptiva is used to treat psoriasis, a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin. The removal has been implemented because of a potential risk for patients of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare and usually fatal viral disease that affects the white matter of the brain. Beginning on June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no longer be available in the United States. Prescribers are being asked not to begin Raptiva treatment for any new patients and they should immediately start discussing with patients currently using the drug how to transition to alternative therapies. The FDA strongly recommends that patients work with their health care professionals to transition to other alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis. Read the MedWatch 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 |
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