Illinois Truvada Lawsuit Attorneys

Truvada is an antiretroviral drug manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc. meant to treat HIV for individuals who are already infected with the virus.

While the drug appeared to be a miracle for tens of thousands of individuals across the United States, the stark reality is that Truvada has some potentially dangerous side effects that can cause serious bodily damage to users. As a result of Gilead failing to provide adequate warning about these serious side effects, many users have come forward with lawsuits pointing to the kidney-related and bone-related health issues they have suffered.

As one of the top 5 states for LGBT populations, the State of Illinois has had a significantly high number of HIV cases reported. As a result of this, many individuals living in Illinois may have been prescribed Truvada.

Our Illinois Truvada lawsuit attorneys at Onder Law Firm can help victims determine whether their health problems are directly related to using Truvada and if they have the right to file a claim against the pharmaceutical company responsible for harming them. Contact us at (314) 310-7924 for a free consultation.

About Truvada

Truvada was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 for the treatment of HIV infection. In 2012, Gilead received approval to market Truvada as a means to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection.

The drug contains two active medical components which stop the replication of HIV-infected cells. These components are:

Emtricitabine (FTC)
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF)

By reducing the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme, Truvada – when used alongside safer sex practices and additional medications – can help to control the development of HIV, as well as the spread of the virus.

While this definitely appeared to be a miraculous drug, studies have shown that the TDF component in Truvada can actually cause severe kidney and bone health complications. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 individuals taking TDF-based medications – including Truvada – have suffered some form of bone or kidney disease.

These other TDF-based medications include:

Atripla
Complera
Stribild
Viread

Overview of HIV in Illinois

Since the first cases of AIDS were reported in Illinois in 1980, until 2013, over 60,000 people living in the state have been diagnosed with HIV (HIV and/or AIDS).

The state ranked 6th among all 50 states for the highest number of new HIV diagnoses in 2014 and accounted for 4.3% of all new disease diagnoses in the United States in 2013 – which totaled to 1,804 people.

The counties with the highest HIV rates include:

Cook County – In 2016, 587 of every 100,000 people were living with HIV.
- As per the Illinois Department of Public health, 78% of people living with HIV in Illinois in 2013 resided in Cook County, including the City of Chicago.
Logan County – In 2016, 312 of every 100,000 people were living with HIV.
Fayette County – In 2016, 269 of every 100,000 people were living with HIV.
Clair County – In 2016, 315 of every 100,000 people were living with HIV.

The rate of people living with HIV in Illinois stood at 332 per every 100,000 in 2016.

Thankfully, the State of Illinois is making strident efforts to reduce the rates of HIV and to provide individuals who are diagnosed with the healthcare and support services they need to remain healthy. The state has adopted the CDC’s recommendations that all individuals between the ages of 13-64 be tested for HIV.

Populations Most at Risk in Illinois

Because HIV affects such a wide spectrum of individuals, many people from all walks of life can be at risk.

As the following groups/demographics are at a higher risk of developing HIV or are most affected by it, they are also more likely to be the populations who have been prescribed Truvada at higher rates.

If you or someone you know falls into any of these groups, are taking Truvada, and are suffering from severe complications as a result, seek out medical attention immediately.

Those at highest risk of contracting HIV include:

Since 2006, the age group with the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses were young adults aged 20-29. Individuals from age 20-24 have had the highest rates of new infections.
In Illinois, HIV disproportionately affects non-Hispanic blacks. From 2009 to 2013, 50% of all new HIV diagnoses were non-Hispanic blacks.
Non-Hispanic whites made up 27% of all new diagnoses in this same time period. This was followed by Hispanics who accounted for 19% of all new HIV diagnoses during the same time frame as well.
In terms of sex, HIV infections are highest among males. From 2009 to 2013, males accounted for 81% of new HIV disease diagnoses.
From 2009 to 2013, women accounted for 19% of all new diagnoses. The main form of disease transmission was heterosexual contact, which accounted for 83% of the 1,715 new cases diagnosed. Injection drug accounted for 14% of all new cases.
Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, the majority of HIV cases in Illinois have been among men who have sex with other men. It is estimated that male-to-male sexual contact accounts for 78.5% of people newly diagnosed with HIV.
36,064 individuals were living with an HIV diagnoses in Illinois at the end of 2013.
Statistically, 1 in 222 men in Illinois were living with an HIV diagnoses in 2013 while this number was 1 in 859 for women.

As previously mentioned, because these populations face a higher risk of contracting HIV, there is an increased likelihood that they have – at some point – taken or been prescribed Truvada.

If you live in Illinois, have taken Truvada, and are now dealing with health complications involving your kidneys or bones, the Illinois Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm can help you to secure justice and compensation for the pain you have suffered. Contact us today at (314) 310-7924 for a FREE case evaluation.

Health Issues Tied to Truvada

The TDF compound found in Truvada has been linked to several health complications, including broken bones.

To begin with, the TDF component found in Truvada may cause complications in the body’s process to build and strengthen bones. Normally, old bone is broken down in a process known as resorption while new bone is added in a process called formation. When an individual is taking Truvada, this process is accelerated. Thus, the body begins to lose more bone than it can create.

This loss in bone mineral density may not be noticeable at first, as it does not present any symptoms in its early stages. However, if treatment is not sought, bone demineralization can lead ultimately lead to:

Discomfort in extremities
Bone deterioration
Osteoporosis
Bone loss
Osteopenia
Tooth decay and loss
Fractures
Breaks

Unfortunately, TDF-based drugs to not only affect bones but can cause harm to your kidneys as well. TDF-based medications require heavy dosage which can lead to the break down of the minerals and calcium in the bones.

This waste must be filtered through your kidneys but the excessive amounts of chemicals, minerals, and calcium can end up causing serious – and even deadly – health complications. If not treated or caught in time, your kidneys can be affected by:

Chronic kidney disease
Declining kidney function/decreased urination
Acute kidney injury
Acute renal failure
Fanconi syndrome
Kidney failure

If your medical provider establishes that you are suffering side effects as a result of Truvada, then do NOT hesitate to contact the Illinois Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm right now to learn more about the actions you can take to seek justice and recovery.

What should I do if I am suffering from Truvada side effects?

As with any serious injury, the most important thing is for you to seek out medical care. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to undergo immediate hospitalization or require emergency care. Not only will a visit to the hospital help to prevent further damages but you’ll also be able to secure medical documentation and hospital bills which can be crucial pieces of evidence that can strengthen your claim.

Before you stop using Truvada, you need to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They will let you know if you can safely stop taking the drug. Failure to do so can result in other health issues developing.

Please remember to NOT throw away the medication. The actual medication and packaging can be used as physical evidence in your product liability claim.

Next, you will need to file a claim with the competent and experienced Illinois Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm as soon as possible. Statute of limitations requires that your lawsuit be filed within a certain time frame in order for you to qualify for damages.

If you are ready to have your story heard, contact Onder Law Firm right now at (314) 310-7924 for a FREE consultation. There is hope and our attorneys are here to provide it.

Resources:

https://aidsvu.org/state/illinois/chicago/
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/1-27-16-OHP-HIVfactsheet-Overview.pdf
https://hivcareconnect.com/hiv-infection-in-illinois/