Truvada is a medication that was created to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS. Unfortunately, one of the drug’s side effects includes a steep decrease in bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. There are other serious side effects that are associated with prolonged use of Truvada as well.
Many people who have become iller at the hands of this drug have filed lawsuits, claiming that the drug’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, Inc, knew about these problems but didn’t adequately warn consumers.
Have you or someone you know been prescribed Truvada? If so, continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Truvada lawsuit.
What Is Truvada?
By utilizing one of its main chemicals, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Truvada is able to prevent HIV cells from multiplying inside the body. This makes it a potentially effective way to treat HIV and AIDS and keep its harmful effects on the body at bay.
Another added benefit of Truvada is that it is also a prophylactic. This means that it is used as a prep and can prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS from one person to another. Truvada was approved by the FDA in 2004.
TDF is also sold under a variety of other names including:
- Atripla
- Cimduo
- Stribild
- Complera
- Symfi-Lo
- Genvoya
Truvada’s Side Effects
Some common side effects that come with Truvada include:
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Depression
- Weakness and fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Liver problems
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle pain
- Rashes on the skin
Though these side effects may be unpleasant, they wouldn’t be considered abnormal for many prescription medications. However, the problem is that Truvada comes with more serious side effects as well. Let’s take a look at the most problematic.
Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis is the accumulation of lactate in the bloodstream. Those who experience lactic acidosis can get problems in the liver and kidneys since these organs may not be able to remove the excess lactic acid.
The buildup of lactic acid can also lead to a change of pH levels in the bloodstream. This can cause kidney failure. When lactic acidosis is not treated immediately after it appears in the body, the repercussions could be fatal.
Osteoporosis
An unfortunately common yet severe side effect of Truvada is a loss in bone density. This can eventually lead to osteoporosis. It is important to note that because Truvada is a treatment and not a cure, it needs to be taken over a very long period of time.
This continued use of the drug leads to significant effects on the patient’s bone density. Not only can they develop osteoporosis but it will be much easier for the patient to experience bone fractures and breaks. Those who are also suffering from HIV or AIDS can suffer even more greatly from these bone diseases.
The Truvada Lawsuits
There are several personal injury lawsuits against Gilead Sciences going on right now. There’s even a class-action Truvada lawsuit against the company in the state of California.
The claims mainly allege that Truvada knew about these dangerous side effects but did not adequately warn consumers about them. Some of the lawsuits also state that Gilead Sciences has developed a safer drug but chose to keep it out of the market until Truvada’s patent was set to expire.
Claims of Failure to Warn
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal responsibility to warn consumers about the dangers associated with taking their drugs. These disclosures are there so that doctors, as well as patients, can make more informed decisions on how they choose the best treatment options.
Obviously, the more dangerous a drug is, the less likely consumers are going to use the drug. Unfortunately, this leads many companies to do whatever they can in order to avoid losing sales, even if that means failing to adequately warn people.
The lawsuits claim that Gilead Sciences were aware of TDF’s risks ever since the chemical was approved by the FDA back in 2001. They were even reprimanded by the FDA a few years later for falsely claiming that TDF did not negatively affect a person’s bone density. Despite mounting scientific research, Gilead Sciences remained steadfast that their product was risk-free.
Compensation for Victims
Those who suffered from the dangerous effects of Truvada may not have only become iller but also accrued steep medical bills. By filing a claim against Gilead Sciences, victims can receive compensation for their medical bills. They can also be compensated for lost wages, mental anguish and physical pain, and loss of consortium.
What to Do if You Have Been Affected
If you suspect you have been hurt by Truvada, the first thing you should do is consult your doctor. Get bone and kidney tests in order to check on the state of your health.
If those tests show that you have fallen victim to the effects of Truvada then you should contact a lawyer. Attorneys such as the ones at this law firm are working specifically for those who have suffered because of Truvada.
Understanding the Truvada Lawsuit
As unfortunate as it is, we live in a world where the companies that are supposed to help us get better don’t always tell us the truth. If you have suffered at the hands of Gilead Sciences and their TDF drug, then you should consider taking part in a Truvada lawsuit.
Want to read more helpful articles like this one? Check out our blog today!
