Voluntary, phased withdrawal of Raptiva®

Genentech and the 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.

Bottom line:

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.

MedWatch is your Internet gateway for timely safety information on drugs and other medical products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. To see the latest official safety information or to report serious adverse events, visit our website: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.