Since 2001, Gilead Sciences Inc. has been developing several generations of antiretroviral (AR) drugs containing the active ingredient, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). It is an ingredient known to cause bodily harm and health complications for patients who took them long-term.
TDF drugs have been reformulated and rebranded under several names aside from Truvada, including Viread, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild. The medications were approved by the FDA to treat and prevent the cellular division of HIV, AIDS, influenza, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C diseases.
A 2018 class-action lawsuit filed by patients in California alleges that Truvada and other TDF drugs are responsible for significant injuries related to their kidney problems. The filed petition further states that Gilead knew about how PrEP changes kidney function and negligently withheld critical information from patients and their physicians.
If you or a loved one sustained kidney injuries after taking Truvada, you can file a claim for compensation under the current class-action suit or pursue options available through Florida civil courts. Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options for the most advantageous result.
The Link Between TDF Drugs and Kidney Problems
The lead plaintiffs, who filed the California class-action lawsuit, believe that a direct link exists between their kidney problems and the line of TDF drugs produced by Gilead Sciences. Their claims are further supported by the fact that the biopharmaceutical company had developed a safer alternative of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) using the active ingredient, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). The lawsuit states that Gilead Sciences developed TAFs more than ten years ago but did not release the formulation in order to continue driving profits of their TDF medications.
The Main Kidney Injuries Caused by Truvada Are Severe
Clinical studies have steadily drawn a strong correlation between kidney injuries and TDF drug use. While they are effective in preventing the synthesis of HIV and AIDS cells, their benefits did not come without significant health consequences.
The main kidney injuries caused by Truvada include the following health conditions:
- Acute renal failure (ARF): ARF occurs when the build-up of waste in the bloodstream becomes toxic. While some patients do not experience ARF symptoms, others commonly experience decreased urine, fatigue, eye and ankle swelling, nausea, dizziness. In general, dialysis is required to treat ARF.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD occurs when long-term diminished kidney function is present. Common symptoms experienced by patients include a weakened immune system, pulmonary edema, and abnormal heart rate. In general, CKD results in end-stage renal failure and requires a kidney transplant or regular dialysis for survival.
- Renal tubular acidosis (RTA): RTA is the result of an excess of acidity throughout the body and is fatal if left untreated. Signs of RTA include painful urination, muscle weakness, vomiting, and fatigue. If RTA goes undiagnosed, patients can experience CKD, ARF, bone disease, and kidney stones.
- Fanconi syndrome: Fanconi syndrome is a severe but rare complication of taking TDF drugs. It is a condition that prevents the body from absorbing vital nutrients it needs to survive. A loss in electrolytes and bicarbonates causes suffers to experience muscle weakness, fractures, and pain.
Individuals Most At-Risk for Kidney Problems After Taking Truvada or Other TDF Drugs
While anyone, who took Truvada or other TDF-based drugs, is at risk, there are populations more susceptible to kidney problems than others. Risk factors associated with kidney issues include:
- People aged 50 and older
- African-American individuals
- Patients who are underweight
- Patients with abnormal cell counts
If you have been prescribed Truvada and meet the criteria for at-risk factors or experience symptoms that could indicate kidney problems, you should discuss your medical concerns directly with your primary care physician.
If You Sustained Kidney Problems After Taking Truvada
If you believe that you are experiencing the main kidney injuries caused by Truvada or other TDF medications, there may be legal remedies available. You can pursue compensation from a few angles, so it is critical that you speak with a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines associated with your claims.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Helps Truvada Injury Patients
The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is prepared to offer experienced and trusted representation to individuals suffering from the main kidney problems after taking Truvada. You can request your free consultation by calling (855) 529-0269 today.
