Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Have You or a Loved One Taken Immunosuppression Drugs and Developed the Deadly Brain Infection PML?

People taking corticosteroids or other drugs to suppress their bodies’ immune systems as part of therapy for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or organ-transplant surgeries are at increased risk of developing a rare but most often deadly infection of the brain and central nervous system called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

PML is caused by the reactivation of a common virus, called polyomavirus JC, in the central nervous system of immune-compromised individuals. There is no known cure or treatment for PML, a progressive, demyelinating disease in which the myelin sheath covering the axons of nerve cells is gradually destroyed, impairing the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body. PML is similar to multiple sclerosis.

If you or a loved one has developed PML after taking corticosteroids or other immunosuppression drugs, you may be entitled to be financially compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and future earnings, and other damages. If a loved one has died as the result of PML caused by immune-suppressing drugs, you and your family may be entitled to wrongful death damages. At Mark & Associates, P.C. our aggressive, experienced personal injury and consumers’ rights attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of PML caused by immunosuppression drugs. To schedule a free, confidential legal consultation, contact us today by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the case inquiry form on this page.

Which Drugs May Cause PML?

Drugs prescribed to suppress the immune system to treat a variety of skin disorders, neurological diseases, and other medical conditions have been linked to an increased risk of PML. Some of the most common brand names and the diseases for which they are given include:

• Rituxan (for treatment of B-cell, non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer)
• Raptiva (for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis)
• Tysabri (for treatment of multiple sclerosis)
• Myfortic (to discourage organ rejection following kidney transplants)
• Avonex (for treatment of multiple sclerosis)
• Remicade (to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis)
• Enbrel (for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
• Humira (for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis)
• Cellcept (to prevent rejection of a kidney, liver, or heart transplant)

What Are the Symptoms of PML?

People with PML may develop a variety of symptoms, including:

• Confusion
• Dizzyness
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance
• Paralysis
• Vision loss
• Difficulty speaking
• Degeneration of cognitive abilities

Free PML Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one has taken corticosteroids or other immune-suppressing drugs and developed PML, you may have rights to be financially compensated. Several immunosuppression drugs used in cancer patients, people with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, and organ transplant patients have been shown to cause this deadly brain infection. The attorneys at Mark & Associates, P.C. can evaluate your situation and advise you about whether you qualify to be compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation review of your possible PML injury case by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the form on this page.