Raptiva (efalizumab) Pulled From the Market

Biologics are one of the treatment options available for psoriasis. However, psoriasis sufferers will now have to cope with one less option.

Raptiva (efalixumab), a well-know biologic, will no longer be available, according to a press release published by manufacturer Genentech last week.

Genentech is voluntarily pulling the drug from the market in the United States because of, "an increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and usually fatal disease of the central nervous system." This will occur in phases, so that doctors have time to safely transition patients to an alternative.

If you're on Raptiva, don't stop taking the medication on your own. Doing so may cause a flare-up, so be sure to contact your healthcare provider to determine your next best steps. Your doctor may recommend that you transition to another biologic psoriasis drug, such as Amevive, Enbrel, Humira or Remicade.