The multiple sclerosis (MS) medication Lemtrada is linked to a risk of stroke, artery tears, disability, death, and worsening of brain inflammation or other MS symptoms, according to the FDA.
Need a Texas Lemtrada Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one suffered a stroke or another severe side effect of Lemtrada, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Lemtrada Linked to Stroke and Blood Vessel Tears
November 29, 2018 — The FDA is warning that Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) may cause severe, life-threatening strokes and blood vessel tears in the head and neck, usually within 24 hours of starting treatment.
Early Symptoms Include Headache and Neck Pain
Diagnosing a stroke or blood vessel tear is complicated because early symptoms such as headache and neck pain are not very specific. Doctors should immediately evaluate patients with these symptoms.
What is Lemtrada?
Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab) is an intravenous medication that treats a form of multiple sclerosis known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, or RRMS. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.
Alemtuzumab is also sold under the brand-name Campath for the treatment of leukemia.
What is the Problem?
Lemtrada has been linked to 13 cases of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke or arterial dissection worldwide during nearly 5 years since the FDA approved Lemtrada in 2014. Over 90% the patients reported symptoms within 1 day of starting treatment with Lemtrada.
FDA Updates Safety Warnings for Lemtrada
The FDA has added information about the risk of stroke to the existing Black Box Warning, which is the FDA’s most serious warning label.
Symptoms of Stroke or Arterial Dissection
Patients should seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible for symptoms of a stroke, or artery tears in the head and neck (arterial dissection), which can lead to death:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially if it occurs on only one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache or neck pain
Lemtrada May Cause Brain Inflammation and Worsen Disease Symptoms
In January 2017, a study published in Lancet Neurology found that Lemtrada significantly worsened symptoms of MS in some patients within a few months of treatment. The patients developed brain inflammation, with vast areas of the brain covered in ring-shaped lesions.
Need a Lemtrada Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
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