Truvada and other TDF Drugs
Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a drug that is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and a pre-exposure preventative drug for HIV taken once a day.
In the Truvada lawsuit, a claim has been made that the Gilead Sciences, Inc.’s drug has dangerous side effects which the company knew about and failed to warn consumers.
Additionally, a claim is made that the drug Truvada, and other TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) drugs, have a defective design and Gilead knew this during production and withheld a safer drug, TAF (tenofovir alafenamide), from the market.
The drugs Truvada, Atripla, Complera, Stribild, and Viread all fall under this Multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Side Effects
TDF drugs, like Truvada, Atripla, Complera, Stribild, and Viread, can cause serious side effects.
Unfortunately for most, the drug must be taken for prolonged periods as the only treatment options for HIV are long term as there is no cure.
However, this can lead to serious side effects long term including:
- Acute/Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Bone Fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Osteopenia
- And other problems
These problems are exacerbated in individuals with pre-existing kidney or bone problems but could happen to anyone who takes the drug.
Legal Issues
The two big legal issues at stake in the Truvada lawsuit are 1) Failure to warn of serious side effects and 2) Defective design. When Gilead Sciences, Inc. originally marketed TDF drugs, they frequently told doctors and patients that TDF posed no side effects and was a “miracle drug” all the while knowing there were serious side effects associated with taking the TDF drugs.
The second issue is that while Gilead marketed TDF to doctors and patients, they were also working on TAF while hiding it from doctors and patients.
TAF, the lawsuit alleges, was known to Gilead as a safer, lower dose alternative more easily absorbed into the body that had similar levels of efficacy as TDF drugs like Truvada.
However, Gilead did not release these drugs until they were close to their patent running out on TDF drugs thus condemning patients on TDF to have to stay on them until Gilead decided to release the safer alternative TAF drugs like Descovy.
What compensation can you get for your injuries?
You could be compensated for the cost of medical treatment, the cost of lost income, pain and suffering, and families could receive compensation for wrongful death in the event of a fatality due to Gilead’s Truvada or other TDF drugs.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are taking Truvada or other TDF drugs, do not stop taking them without consulting a doctor for your options.
While TDF drugs may pose harm, they are also treating for HIV which can become fatal if left untreated.
Call VanDerGinst Law to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys. We never charge a fee unless we win.
Call us today at 800-797-5391 for more information on our services.
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