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Kidney Failure from Truvada Attorney

If you were given an option to take a drug meant to alleviate symptoms of a serious illness, but which, in turn, caused major damage to your kidneys, would you take it? Individuals who have taken the drug Truvada did not, unfortunately, have much of an option.

Gilead Sciences Inc., the drug manufacturer responsible for creating the pre-exposure prophylaxis, Truvada, knew that their drug was problematic, yet, they still sold and marketed their product. They did so with the intention of increasing their profits and did not worry about the effects the drug would have on users.

Now, users of these tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) based medications, like Truvada, are coming forward with product liability claims, looking to right a most grievous wrong committed against them.

If you are currently using, or have used, Truvada to help prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are experiencing complications with your kidneys, the Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm are extending their hand to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Onder Law Firm today at (314) 310-7924 to get started with your FREE legal consultation.

Truvada, Gilead Sciences Inc., and What the Drug Does to Your Kidneys

Initially created in 2001, TDF-based medications like Truvada were designed to help minimize the risk of contracting HIV for those in high-risk situations, while also helping treat those who already had the virus.

Truvada does this by reducing the activity of the enzyme, reverse transcriptase. This is the enzyme the virus uses to replicate itself and create more HIV-infected cells.

The problem with this, however, is that in order to be truly effective at reducing the replication of HIV, TDF-based medications must be taken in large doses. These large doses often leave excessive amounts of TDF within the kidneys, causing multiple health complications such as:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Declining Kidney Function/Decreased Urination
  • Acute Kidney Injury
  • Acute Renal Failure
  • Fanconi Syndrome
  • Kidney Failure

Gilead did not warn the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about these serious side effects – but that isn’t where their deception ended. Around the same time TDF-based medications were created, a better solution was crafted.

Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) based medications could reduce the replication of HIV just as effectively as TDF-based medications, but in smaller, safer doses. TAF-based medications held less risks of severe side effects.

Gilead would, instead, hold on to these TAF studies, keeping them away from public view and marketing their TDF-based medications. Gilead continued to market its harmful version until its patent lapsed in 2015, then began to offer TAF-based medications as a “new and improved” formula.

And now the time has come for Gilead to answer for their negligence and maliciousness. Users of TDF-based drugs like Truvada are coming forward to fight tooth and nail for the justice and compensation that is rightfully due to them.

Now is the time to act. If you or someone you love has taken Truvada in the past, set up a FREE legal consultation with the Truvada lawsuit attorneys of Onder Law Firm by calling (314) 310-7924.

Why Kidneys Are so Important

The kidneys’ main function is to rid the body of waste and excessive buildup of fluids through a complex process that involves excretion and reabsorption. This ultimately produces urine to flush out toxins and maintain a healthy balance of bodily chemicals.

Kidneys are critical in regulating the body’s salt, acid, and potassium levels. Hormones produced by the organs affect:

  • Regulation of blood pressure.
  • Stimulate the production of red blood cells.
  • Control calcium metabolism.
  • Help produce vitamin D to promote the growth of healthy bones.
  • Help other organs function at peak performance.

Because of this, if your kidneys experience any sort of problems — especially through the use of TDF-based medications like Truvada — the whole body is affected, leading to further injury or even death.

Truvada & Kidney Failure

While Truvada may not cause immediate kidney failure, over time it can greatly damage this vital organ. If the damage to your kidneys is not remedied or treated, then the kidneys become unable to perform their job.

When the damage to your kidneys becomes significant, you can begin to suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Symptoms of CKD include:

  • Chest pain
  • Dry skin
  • Itching or numbness
  • Increased or decreased urination
  • Swelling in feet and ankles
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Bone disease
  • Cognitive issues

Kidney disease can lead to other health issues such as an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack or a sudden change in kidney function. Unfortunately, CKD is generally progressive and gets worse over time.

Kidney failure is the last stage of CKD. Should your kidneys stop working immediately, you may begin dealing with one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Nosebleeds
  • Rash
  • Vomiting

Dialysis is typically one of the treatments for kidney failure but cannot perform the exact same functions. Common complications associated with kidney failure include anemia, bone disease, heart disease, high potassium, and fluid buildup.

If you have developed kidney complications as a result of using Truvada, you may qualify for compensation. Contact Onder Law Firm at (314) 310-7924 to schedule your FREE legal consultation with our Truvada lawsuit attorney today.

Stages of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is categorized into various stages that range from very mild (stage 1) to complete kidney failure (stage 5). As kidney failure progresses, the severity of symptoms and complications also increase.

The stages of kidney failure are as follows:

  • Stage 1: There is usually no symptoms or complications felt at this stage. Some damage may be present but can be managed through a healthy and active lifestyle.
  • Stage 2: During this stage, symptoms become more detectable and can include obvious damage to the kidneys, as well as protein in the urine.
  • Stage 3: Damages are moderate at this point. Symptoms can include swelling in hands and feet, back pain, or changes in urination.
  • Stage 4: A moderate to severe stage, symptoms at this point can include anemia, high blood pressure, and bone disease.
  • Stage 5: Kidney function is below 15% or near complete failure. At this stage, dialysis is needed.

It is in your best interest to seek out medical care immediately if you believe you are suffering from any stage of kidney failure.

FDA Warnings Issued Against Gilead Sciences Inc.

Gilead’s deception has not gone unnoticed by the FDA. The FDA has issued out three warnings to the Truvada manufacturer regarding the risks of kidney failure caused by the drug.

On March 14, 2002, the first warning was issued against the manufacturer’s claims about the drug being non-toxic with a zero-risk of damaging kidneys, despite what already being documented through clinical research, and as well as what was printed on the drug’s warning label.

Then, on July 29, 2003, another warning was issued by the FDA addressing the same subject but demanding a clearer response from the drug company. This time, sales representatives were caught downplaying the toxic effects of Truvada and stating that the drug had other benefits which were not approved.

Lastly, on June 27, 2014, the FDA gave another warning toward the company’s online sponsored link that boasted that the drug was safe to use. The link failed to inform visitors about the dangers Truvada posed to kidneys and was ultimately forced to be removed.

Gilead May Owe You Compensation for Your Kidney Injuries 

Victims of Gilead’s deception may qualify for compensation to help cover expenses related to the damages they have suffered from taking the company’s HIV drug. An experienced Truvada lawsuit attorney from Onder Law Firm can help you recover compensation meant to cover but not limited to:

  • Past, Present, and Future Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages (past, present, and future)
  • Reduced Earning Capacity
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of Quality of Life
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Wrongful Death

If you have lost a family member due to kidney complications caused by Truvada, a wrongful death claim can help surviving family members cover funeral expenses.

Make your voice heard. Let Gilead Sciences Inc. know that their blatant negligence and maliciousness will not go unpunished. Seek out the legal experience of Onder Law Firm to hold Gilead accountable for the pain they have caused you and your loved ones.

Contact us at (314) 310-7924 today to set up your FREE legal consultation today.

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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