Lemtrada & Campath Lawsuit
Learn more about the recent FDA “Black Box Warning” on popular multiple sclerosis (MS) and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) drugs that have been linked to arterial dissection and strokes.
On November 28, 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent communication to patients and physicians that Lemtrada and Campath (alemtuzumab) have been linked to an increased risk of serious side effects including potential death. In addition to updating the drug(s) labeling, the FDA added a Boxed Warning, which is the FDA’s most severe warning.
If you or a loved one has suffered an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or been diagnosed with a form of arterial dissection, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Do you think you are having a stroke? If so, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Further reading: Is This Stress or a Stroke? (WebMD)
Background
Lemtrada is a drug that was approved in November 2014 by the FDA. It is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to the drugs manufacturer, “Because of its risks, LEMTRADA is generally used in people who have tried 2 or more MS medicines that have not worked well enough.”
Campath was approved by the FDA in May 2001 to treat a specific type of cancer called B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).
FDA Black Box Warning
The U.S. agency responsible to monitoring the efficacy and safety of prescription medication including Lemtrada and Campath has found that rare but serious cases of stroke and tears in the lining of arteries in the head and neck have been reported.
“These problems can lead to permanent disability and even death” – FDA
The tears in the lining of arteries in the head and neck are called, “cervicocephalic arterial dissection”.
Link: FDA Lemtrada & Campath Boxed Warning / Lemtrada Labeling & Medication Guide
Patients Report Side Effects Generally Within One Day
If you have been or will be administered either one of these drugs, it is important to talk with your doctor and understand that of the 13 worldwide reports of side effects, 12 of the patients reported symptoms within 1 day of receiving Lemtrada.
Symptoms of a Stroke & Arterial Dissection
- 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