Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Sep 2011
Case ReportsProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with efalizumab use in psoriasis patients.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, potentially fatal demyelinating disease, affects primarily immunocompromised individuals. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of PML associated with efalizumab (Raptiva), a biologic agent approved for psoriasis. In July 2009, efalizumab was voluntarily withdrawn from the US market because of the risk of PML. ⋯ These cases suggest that prolonged efalizumab therapy is a risk factor for PML. Although the cases reported treatment for longer than 3 years, a specific treatment duration that does not place patients at risk for PML has not been defined.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Sep 2011
Complications of cutaneous surgery in patients taking clopidogrel-containing anticoagulation.
Most anticoagulants are not associated with increased risk of severe complications during cutaneous surgery, but no data exist on clopidogrel. ⋯ Cutaneous surgery in patients taking clopidogrel-containing anticoagulation is associated with an increased risk of nonlife-threatening severe complications.