Zevalin is a drug used as part of a regimen to treat various forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Clinical trials performed before Zevalin was approved for the market by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) showed that patients sometimes died from infusion reactions when they received infusions of rituximab, an essential part of the Zevalin treatment. Deaths occurred within 24 hours of the infusion.
Zevalin’s manufacturer, Biogen Idec, released information in 2005 that in Zevalin’s first three years on the market there had been reports of sometimes-fatal skin reactions in patients using it. These reactions included toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme. This information led to an additional Zevalin warning. See Drug Warning: Zevalin Side Effects and Risks for more information on Zevalin warnings.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a potentially fatal skin condition, which usually produces blistering and peeling on the top level of skin. Steven-Johnson syndrome is another name for erythema multiforme. This condition also causes blistering and lesions and particularly affects mucous membranes, such as the eyes, mouth, throat, and genitals. Damage to the eyes from this condition can cause vision loss. See Zevalin Side Effects – Infusion Reaction and Fatal Skin Reactions for a list of symptoms.
Check out the following articles for more information about Zevalin, filing an Zevalin lawsuit and finding an Zevalin attorney.