Raptiva is a prescription drug used to treat psoriasis, a troubling skin disorder that affects an estimated 7.5 million individuals in the U.S. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 as a psoriasis medication, Raptiva has been linked to PML, a life-threatening infection in the brain.

Serious Side Effects of Raptiva

Raptiva and PML 

On Feb. 19, 2009, the FDA issued a warning that Raptiva was linked to three deaths from PML, and that a fourth death may also be from Raptiva. PML is a terrible disease that attacks the brain and CNS (central nervous system), with symptoms that include:

• loss of coordination
• memory loss
• vision problems

The FDA advises all doctors to monitor patients to whom they have prescribed Raptiva for any signs of neurologic problems. The more common side effects of Raptiva are:

• fever
• nausea
• chills
• headache
• muscle aches