Hundreds of patients who took Truvada have banded together under a California-based class-action lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, Inc. for its negligent role in failing to warn individuals about the damaging side effects and misrepresenting the safety of its active ingredient, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).
The class-action suit was filed and certified in the State of California by two patients and their attorneys. Florida residents have the opportunity to pursue a compensation claim after a favorable ruling. They can also opt-out and file personal injury and product liability claims in Florida instead. There are differences between these options that should be considered carefully.
If you or a loved one suffered from bone loss or kidney failure after taking Truvada, you have legal redress opportunities available for your damages. Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you explore them further while establishing a qualified opinion on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Allegations Against Gilead Sciences
The first lawsuit against Gilead Sciences was filed in 2018 by two individuals whose health was affected by the drug, Truvada. The lawsuits specify that the active ingredient, TDF, caused significant side effects and health consequences that include bone and kidney damage.
The lead plaintiffs further allege that the manufacturer knew about the health risks of taking Truvada and failed to take appropriate action to alert them. The lead plaintiffs also state that Gilead Sciences began manufacturing a less toxic pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with the active ingredient, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
How Gilead Sciences Placed Profit Over People
Early testing of TAF indicated that it was safer to administer long-term over TDF. After discovering its efficacy, Gilead Sciences stopped conducting clinical research and deliberately delayed releasing the newer version of the PrEP drug in the name of profit.
The lawsuit goes on to say that Gilead Sciences was waiting for their TDF patents to run out before seeking TAF approval. Doing so would allow them to continue earning revenue from Truvada without market competition, since the patent does not run out until 2021. They are currently the only manufacturer who has the legal right to create TDF drugs.
HIV/AIDS Patients or Their Partners Were Affected
Since its 2001 release, HIV/AIDS patients and their partners on TDF drugs were taking it without fully understanding the associated inherent risks. A 2009 medical study initially drew attention to issues surrounding TDF-based medications.
Truvada and TDF drug injuries include bone and kidney problems that carry a significant impact on the health and quality of life for the victim.
Truvada Kidney Injuries
The lead plaintiffs in the class-action against Gilead Sciences are alleging that Truvada caused damages to their kidneys after long-term use. Types of kidney damage that Truvada and TDF drugs have caused include chronic kidney disease, renal failure, and kidney failure, among others.
Truvada Bone Injuries
In addition to kidney damage injuries, patients state that Truvada caused bone damage as well. Types of bone injuries that Truvada has been known to cause include tooth decay, osteoporosis, and bone loss, among others.
Injured Patients Who Took Truvada or Other TDF Drugs Have Legal Options
There are a few options available to individuals who were injured by taking Truvada and other TDF drugs. While there is an opportunity to obtain compensation from the current class-action suit in California, you can also pursue an award under product liability and personal injury claims through the Florida civil court system.
Both options carry significant legal implications, which means that speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you make a decision regarding the best course of action for you.
Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is here to help you decide the most advantageous course of action if you suffered from injuries after taking Truvada. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation for affected individuals looking for more information. Contact our office to request yours by calling (855) 529-0269 today.
