Lemtrada is a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) drug that is linked to reports of stroke, artery tears, arterial dissection, worsening MS symptoms, autoimmune disease, disability, and death.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Lemtrada induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a stroke or another severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Lemtrada Linked to Stroke and Blood Vessel Tears
November 29, 2018 — Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is linked to rare reports of strokes and blood vessel tears in the head or neck, usually within 24 hours of starting treatment, according to a warning from the FDA.
Early Symptoms Include Headache and Neck Pain
Headache and neck pain are the most common initial symptoms of a stroke or arterial dissection, but diagnosis may be delayed because these symptoms are not very specific. Therefore, doctors must immediately evaluate patients if they develop headache or neck pain.
What is Lemtrada?
Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab) is an intravenous medication for the treatment of severe forms of multiple sclerosis, also known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system attacks the nervous system and causes severe disability.
Alemtuzumab is also sold under the brand-name Campath for the treatment of leukemia.
What is the Problem?
Since 2014, the FDA has identified 13 cases of arterial dissection or hemorrhagic stroke in patients who recently started treatment with Lemtrada. Twelve patients had symptoms within 1 day of starting treatment with Lemtrada. One patient had symptoms within 3 days.
FDA Updates Safety Warnings for Lemtrada
New information about the risk of stroke has been added to the “Boxed Warning” label for Lemtrada, which is the most serious warning label that the FDA can place on a medication.
Symptoms of Stroke or 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
Lemtrada May Cause Brain Inflammation and Worsen Disease Symptoms
Lemtrada is also linked to reports of severe brain inflammation and worsening of MS symptoms, with vast areas of the patients’ brains covered in ring-shaped lesions, according to a study published in Lancet Neurology in January 2017. Click here to read more.
Do I have a Lemtrada Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Lemtrada induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a stroke or another severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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