Is it possible for PML to be fatal?
PML is a very serious illness that can be fatal. It’s caused by a virus called the JC virus. Most adults carry it, and it usually doesn’t cause any health problems.
Can a mild PML infection cause no symptoms?
Early diagnosis offers you the best chance for a good outcome should you develop this disease. PML is caused by the reactivation of the JC virus—a common virus that most people are exposed to during childhood or adolescence. 2 JC virus can cause a mild infection or no symptoms at all.
How often does PML cause seizures in people?
Sometimes, PML can also cause seizures. About 1 person out of every 200,000 will get PML. That works out to a total of about 4,000 people a year in the United States and Europe combined. It happens most often to people who have AIDS, which attacks the immune system.
What are the symptoms of multifocal leukoencephalopathy ( PML )?
They may include: 1 Generalized weakness 2 Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the body 3 Confusion and/or memory loss 4 Personality or behavioral changes 5 Difficulty speaking 6 Impaired coordination, such as clumsiness or walking difficulties 7 Visual problems, such as blurred vision or loss of vision
PML is a very serious illness that can be fatal. It’s caused by a virus called the JC virus. Most adults carry it, and it usually doesn’t cause any health problems.
What is the name of the virus that causes PML?
PML is caused by an infection called the John Cunningham (JC) virus. PML may be rare, but the JC virus is quite common. In fact, up to 85 percent of adults in the general population have the virus.
Are there any prior cases of PML with Gilenya?
Prior cases of PML in patients taking Gilenya were confounded by immunosuppressant use before or concurrent with the drug. Tell patients taking Gilenya to contact you if they develop any symptoms that may be suggestive of PML. Symptoms of PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and can lead to severe disability or death.
Can a person with multiple sclerosis get PML?
People who have multiple sclerosis, which attacks the central nervous system, or other immune system problems, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may be at risk too. U.S. safety officials have said that PML may be a possible side effect of some drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis after a small number of people who used them got it.