Boston Truvada Lawsuit Attorneys

Many individuals who are living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have looked towards HIV antiretrovirals as a saving grace. HIV drugs, such as Truvada, have helped to reduce the growth of HIV-infected cells within users and given them a new lease on life – or at least it appeared so.

In 2004, Truvada was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an HIV treatment medication. Produced by pharmaceutical giant, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Truvada has brought in billions of dollars of revenue.

The drug is made from a combination of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and other components. However, one component, in particular, has been linked to serious health complications when taken in excess. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which can be found in Truvada (and other HIV drugs produced by Gilead), has been linked to bone demineralization and kidney damage.

Now, users have emerged with lawsuits against Gilead Sciences, alleging that the company concealed information about TDF, while also withholding a safer alternative that could have better protected their health.

If you or a loved one have taken Truvada and have suffered bone or kidney-related injuries, there may be compensation awaiting you. Call the Boston Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm at (314) 310-7924 today to schedule your zero-cost, zero-obligation legal consultation.

What Is Truvada?

Truvada is the most widely recognized and prescribed HIV medication for those that have been diagnosed as HIV positive. The prescription is made from a combination of the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC).

These components help to reduce the activity of the enzyme which helps the virus to spread. By reducing the enzyme’s ability to replicate, the drug essentially stops the growth of the virus.

Many health care plans, such as Medicaid, cover the cost of the prescription. The drug is quite expensive, costing as much as $2,000 a month without insurance coverage.

Despite its cost, more and more Americans diagnosed with HIV are encouraged to begin the daily treatment to reduce the rate of transmission and better protect their own health. Thus far, numbers of new diagnoses have decreased, while survival rates amongst those infected have increased.

Unfortunately, there is a dark side to using Truvada, and many innocent consumers are now facing unexpected injuries as a result of using the defective drug.

What Is the Issue With Truvada?

Research conducted on TDF has shown that the component increases the risk of bone demineralization (bone loss), which can result in the development of osteoporosis, as well as cause bone fractures. Furthermore, because of the excessive amounts of TDF in Truvada, the drug can also cause serious damage to users’ kidneys.

Studies suggest that this further increases bone loss as the kidneys cannot properly filter important bone-building nutrients back into the bloodstream.

While Gilead does share information regarding the side effects of the drug, it understated the toxicity of TDF and life-threatening health issues which could arise from consistent use of the product.

It should be noted that Truvada is not the only TDF-based medication that Gilead Sciences Inc. has developed and marketed. The following HIV drugs can also lead to bone and/or kidney-related damages:

Atripla
Complera
Stribild
Viread

If you have suffered a bone-related or kidney-related health issue after consistently using Truvada, please contact our experienced Boston Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm right now at (314) 310-7924.

Lawsuits Against Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Class-action lawsuits have begun to emerge in civil courts with plaintiffs alleging that Gilead suppressed vital information about the dangers of the product while also withholding a safer alternative in order to maximize the sales of their TDF-based product.

Two individuals in California initiated the lawsuits against the company, alleging that the pharmaceutical company acted negligently in their marketing and failed to effectively warn consumers of the dangers associated with using the product. This same duo also filed a class-action lawsuit in order to allow other parties who had been injured to also begin making claims against the company.

Gilead has – as expected – attempted to dismiss these allegations.

If you have been hurt by Gilead’s antiretroviral drugs and your injuries have resulted in financial losses, know that you can pursue a personal injury product liability lawsuit against the company.

Common Side Effects and Major Health Issues Caused by the Use of Truvada

Pre-existing kidney and liver issues should be noted prior to taking Truvada as taking this drug is not without risk and can worsen existing conditions. Gilead Sciences, Inc., advises that certain common side effects are likely to be experienced by certain users of the product, including:

Abnormal fat distribution
Aching joints
Back pain
Changes in skin color
Depression
Diarrhea
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Headaches
Itchy skin
Mood changes (depression, anxiety)
Loss of appetite
Increased abdominal pain
Pink/ bloody urine
Reduced amount of urine

While these side effects should definitely be monitored, the major cause for concern lies in Truvada causing kidney and bone damage. Unfortunately, with HIV-positive individuals already facing an increased risk of bone loss, Truvada can truly worsen the situation for users.

It is vital that users of Truvada speak with their primary care provider in order to better understand these risks and to get tested for possible damages.

The following are symptoms of serious health conditions that may come from Truvada use:

Bone Injuries

Bone fractures
Bone demineralization
Osteopenia
Osteoporosis

Symptoms of bone issues can include:

Bone fractures
Bone density loss
Bone mineral loss
Extreme discomfort
Muscle pain
Worsening bone pain

Kidney Injuries

Abnormal protein levels
Acute kidney injury
Chronic kidney disease
Fanconi’s syndrome
Excess creatine levels
Low kidney function
Tubular dysfunction
Renal failure

Symptoms of kidney issues can include:

Anemia
Bruising
Changes in skin color
Confusion
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Inability to urinate
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Swelling
Vomiting
Weakness

If you begin to experience symptoms of any of the adverse health conditions linked to Truvada, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your Truvada injuries have resulted in financial losses, know that you have the right to pursue compensation.

Contact the Boston Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm right now at (314) 310-7924 for a FREE case evaluation.

Demographic Groups in Boston Who Could Be Affected by Truvada Use

Although prevention methods have allowed the overall rate of new diagnoses to go down, there are certain demographics which are still at a higher risk of exposure to new diagnoses.

In Boston:

From 2014 to 2016, Boston was ranked fourth amongst cities with the highest annual rate of HIV infections in Massachusetts (24.8 per 100,000.)
By 2018, HIV diagnosis prevalence rate in Boston increased quite drastically (903.0 per 100,000). Boston is now ranked second among cities with the highest percentage of HIV diagnoses.
5,920 residents are said to be living with HIV in Boston as of January 2017. Amongst this group, 50 percent of this total are men who have sex with men.

The statistics for groups who are most at-risk for HIV in the state of Massachusetts are as follows:

From 2007 to 2016, men who have sex with men were the most affected group.
MSM comprised 39 percent of the Massachusetts population living with HIV and accounted for nearly 50 percent of new diagnoses between 2014 and 2016.
The rate of HIV infection for MSM is 17 times higher than non-MSM men in this state.
Black (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic/ Latina women face the highest rate of HIV diagnoses amongst all women, at 40 percent and 32 percent respectively between 2015 to 2016.

How Can the Boston Truvada Lawsuit Attorneys of Onder Law Firm Assist You?

Gilead Sciences, Inc., have made billions in sales from Truvada.

Individuals using Truvada were taking measures to preserve their health, but instead, ended up with severe bone and kidney injuries. Gilead Sciences, Inc., has continued to deny allegations that they withheld the safer alternative, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Regardless, lawsuits continue to funnel in.

With the help of our compassionate and committed Boston Truvada lawsuit attorneys, victims can recover a favorable settlement through the grounds of negligence in a product liability lawsuit. The plaintiff must bring about evidence that the manufacturer breached one of the following elements:

Defective Design
Defective Manufacturing
Failure to Warn Defect

In the state of Massachusetts, product liability lawsuits must be filed within 3 years of the date of injury as per the statute of limitations.

Pursuing legal action against such a powerful pharmaceutical company can be intimidating, but with our support and valuable litigation skills, you can feel secure and hopeful in your recovery. Individuals who have suffered Truvada-related injuries and have experienced financial losses can pursue damages for but not limited to:

Medical Bills (past, present, and future)
Pain and Suffering
Lost Wages (past, present, and future)
Loss of Earning Capacity
Loss of Quality of Life
Loss of Consortium
Emotional Damages
Wrongful Death Damages

To learn more about your rights and to get a FREE legal consultation, consult the Boston Truvada Lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm today at (314) 310-7924.