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Complera Lawsuit Attorneys

Complera is an antiretroviral medication used to help treat HIV infections. Developed by Gilead Sciences Inc., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the once-daily single tablet in August of 2011.

Gilead Sciences is now facing accusations that Complera, alongside the company’s other HIV medications including Truvada, Viread, and Stribild, is responsible for an increased risk of bone injuries and kidney damage.

Several class-action lawsuits have been brought up against the pharmaceutical giant by individuals who have used the product. With the HIV drug market expected to reach $22.5 billion by 2025, it is appalling that Gilead has been able to profit so much off the backs of the innocent victims they have hurt.

The Complera lawsuit attorneys at Onder Law Firm are currently investigating claims by those who have suffered severe side effects as a result of using the medication. If you have undergone bone or kidney-related health issues, contact our attorneys immediately for a FREE case consultation. We will make sure you receive the justice and financial recovery that is owed to you.

About Complera

Complera is a once-daily tablet used to treat HIV infections in those who have contracted the condition. The medicine is made from a combination of three medicinal components which include emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

The medication can be taken in combination with other forms of HIV therapy in order to reduce the risk of life-threatening infections.

The three components in Complera interfere with the activities of an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase. This enzyme, when it takes control of a cell, forces the cell to make more copies of the virus. By reducing – or completely stopping – the activity of this particular enzyme, Complera is able to stop the virus from infecting other healthy cells.

The issue with Complera (and Gilead’s other HIV medications) is the TDF component found within the drug. Research and several health organizations have reported that TDF is associated with bone demineralization which can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, or broken bones. Alongside bone-related health issues, TDF is also shown to cause kidneys to malfunction and it is believed the two health issues correspond.

Because damaged kidneys can not properly filter out waste materials and return bone-building nutrients back into the blood, this ultimately results in the thinning of bones.

Kidney Problems Caused by Complera

Kidneys play a pivotal role in our health by acting as a filtering system for waste products and excess fluids in our body. This organ helps to regulate certain minerals and content in our body while also producing hormones that affect the function of other organs.

When working properly, kidneys:

  • Remove waste products from the body.
  • Remove drugs from the body.
  • Release hormones which help to regulate blood pressure and control calcium.
  • Produce vitamin D for the development of strong bones.
  • Produce hormones to stimulate red blood cell production.
  • Help other organs function at peak performance.

Because of their overall importance in our health, any damage done to the kidneys can prove to be critical. Unfortunately, TDF-based medications like Complera can cause irreparable damages that can lead to further injuries or even death.

To make matters worse, individuals who are HIV-positive already face an increased risk of kidney issues. In a study of more than 10,000 HIV positive patients conducted by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), it was revealed that the risk of chronic disease increased by 33 percent each year of exposure to TDF.

While the effects of taking Complera may not be felt immediately, over time, continued exposure can cause critical damage which can leave individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease or complete kidney failure.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue/weakness
  • Increased or decreased urination
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Muscle cramps
  • Cognitive issues
  • Dry skin
  • Itching or numbness
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath

Signs and symptoms may not fully appear until irreversible damage has been done, so it is in your best interest to seek out medical attention if you have been taking Complera or other HIV drugs developed by Gilead Sciences.

When chronic kidney disease has advanced, it can lead to a number of serious complications including an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack, damage to your central nervous system, increased vulnerability to infection, weakened bones, and end-stage kidney disease, among other concerns.

End-stage kidney disease or kidney failure can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When renal function falls below 25 percent it can cause heart-related health issues that can be fatal. When kidney function falls between 10 and 15 percent, artificial kidney filtering is necessary to survive. In the final stages of renal disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be the deciding factor between life and death.

Have you developed kidney complications as a result of using Complera? Know that there is a team of lawyers ready to fight for you. While no amount of money can ever make up for the suffering you have gone through, we believe that you deserve justice and peace of mind. Contact our Complera lawsuit attorneys today at (314) 310-7924 for a FREE case evaluation.

Complera’s Affect on Bone Health

Individuals who are HIV-positive face an increased risk of bone density loss. Factors that can have a negative effect on bone loss rates for individuals living with HIV include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Level of physical activity
  • Diet
  • Genetics and family medical history
  • Lifestyle habits (i.e. smoking & alcohol)
  • Additional illnesses (i.e. arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease, or lupus)
  • Lowered testosterone levels
  • Use of certain medications (i.e. HIV drugs such as Complera)

With bone loss already a cause for concern with individuals living with the condition, the added effects of Complera can be detrimental to their health. As previously mentioned, it is the TDF component within the drug that is associated with bone demineralization.

Bone demineralization is defined as a decrease in, loss of, or removal of vital minerals found within the bone. In clinical trials of drugs containing TDF, thinner bones along the spine and in other locations throughout the body were reported. This is in addition to bone pain.

As previously mentioned, while the exact cause of the bone loss is not fully understood, researchers believe that it is tied into the kidney damage also caused by Complera.

One of the causes of concern regarding bone loss is that the issue is generally unnoticed until an unexpected break or fracture takes place. If no preventative measures are taken, then demineralized bones can result in:

  • Pain and discomfort in the arms and legs
  • Bone deterioration
  • Osteopenia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Dental complications (including tooth decay and loss)
  • Fractures
  • Severe breaks

This is why it is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking Complera or some other HIV drug produced by Gilead Sciences Inc. Your physician can provide the proper testing in order to measure your bone strength and uncover whether or not you are dealing with bone loss.

If you have noticed any of the following signs or symptoms of osteoporosis, it is important to seek out medical care immediately :

  • Back pain
  • Fractured/collapsed vertebra
  • Loss of height over time
  • Changes in posture (stooped posture)
  • Easily broken bone

Osteoporosis and bone loss greatly increase the risk of bone fractures or breaks, especially in the spine, wrists, or hips. 

You should not have to suffer from broken bones or osteoporosis as a result of taking Complera. Contact the compassionate and trustworthy defective drug attorneys of Onder Law Firm to learn about your legal options.

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover for Your Injuries

If you have suffered damages as a result of using Complera, know that you are not alone in your struggle. Our dedicated Complera lawsuit attorneys are capable of effectively representing you in your legal fight against Gilead Sciences Inc.

We will thoroughly investigate your claim to help you secure compensation for: 

  • Medical Bills (past, present, and future bills related to your Complera injury)
  • Lost Wages (past, present, and future)
  • Reduced Earning Capacity
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Decreased Quality of Life
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  • Wrongful Death

The benefits of choosing Onder Law Firm include:

  • NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE.
  • A team of attorneys capable of representing you against large corporations.
  • An ability to take and effectively handle your claim in court if necessary.
  • Unmatched personal attention.

Contact Onder Law Firm right now at (314) 310-7924 to set up your FREE legal consultation.

Our team is ready to help you with your Truvada case Call (314) 310-7924

This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Results include Co-lead counsel on Yaz MDL & co-liaison leadership role in Pradaxa MDL.

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