Posts Tagged ‘psoriasis’

California based drug maker Genentech announced this week the withdrawal of the drug Raptiva from the US market. Raptiva, also known as efalizumab, is used in the treatment of the skin condition psoriasis. The move comes after the FDA noted the deathes of three people from a rare brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy while taking Raptiva. Genentech estimates about 2,000 patients in the US may currently be using Raptiva. Those who are actively using the medication should stop using it and speak to their physicians about alternative treatment.  Raptiva will no longer be available after June 8, 2009.

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In this month’s issue of the Archives of Dermatology researchers noted that common skin diseases can lead to poor morale and combat ineffectiveness of troops on the front line. Poor control and misdiagnosis of common, benign conditions such as itchy rashes, eczema, psoriasis, non-cancerous moles can often lead to evacuation of troops for evaluation and treatment. The study authors say that measures such as identification of individuals with chronic skin diseases during medical screening before they are deployed and emphasizing preventive measures to clinicians in the field can reduce the number of evacuations. Teledermatolgy may someday play a role as well, allowing physicians with dermatological expertise to visually examine soldiers remotely.

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