The side effects of Truvada are impactful and life-changing for the patients experiencing them. While many individuals experience non-life-threatening and common side effects, there are hundreds of others coming together under an ongoing 2018 class-action lawsuit filed in California alleging that Truvada caused issues related to kidney problems, bone injuries, and lactic acidosis.
The lawsuit was filed against Truvada’s maker, Gilead Sciences, Inc., for its negligence in failing to warn patients about all the drug’s side effects.
Patients and their loved ones who sustained bodily harm after taking Truvada have legal opportunities available to pursue financial compensation for their losses. Talking about the specifics of your situation with a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you apply federal and state laws to your case and reveal insight as to which options are available to you.
The Side Effects of Truvada Range from Mild to Severe
Truvada and other tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drugs are effective in preventing the synthesis and development of cells responsible for autoimmune diseases, including HIV, AIDS, influenza, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. However, its efficacy does not come without injurious consequences for people who take it.
The side effects of Truvada and TDF medications commonly include the following:
Common Side Effects
Like many prescription drugs, Truvada comes with common side effects that are generally considered to be non-life threatening. Patients taking TDF-based drugs can experience the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
- Diarrhea and stomach problems
- Head, joint, stomach, or back pain
- Depression and fatigue
- Problems sleeping
- Changes in the skin’s appearance
- Skin rashes
While the preceding list is not exhaustive, typical side effects associated with taking Truvada are generally treated and monitored by a physician with little disruption. The complications related to kidney problems and bone injuries are often more severe.
Kidney Injuries
There is an active link between TDF drug use and kidney problems. The main kidney injuries caused by Truvada include the following conditions:
- Acute renal failure (ARF)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Renal tubular acidosis (RTA)
- Fanconi syndrome
Truvada kidney injuries are often severe and life-threatening. Patients who experience these issues often require transplants or scheduled dialysis to remove toxins in the bloodstream.
Bone Problems
Like kidney injuries, there are bone problems associated with taking Truvada. The main bone injuries caused by Truvada include osteopenia and osteoporosis. Patients typically experience symptoms related to diminished bone density include bone loss and unusual fractures that do not fit the level of impact sustained.
Lactic Acidosis Symptoms
Lactic acidosis is a condition that causes excessive lactic acid build-up. Although the disease is rare, it is a severe side effect of taking TDF drugs, like Truvada. It is an occurrence that prevents the liver from breaking down the enzyme, lactate. Common symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, bloating, stomach pain, reduced appetite, and fatigue.
What to Do If You Suspect Truvada Caused Your Bone and Kidney Injuries
If you or a loved one experience side effects of Truvada and suspect that Truvada or other TDF drugs caused damage to your kidneys, bones, or liver, you should visit with a physician to assess your health. He or she can offer a professional medical opinion as to what contributed to your health problems.
Understanding your legal options for compensation is the next step. You can speak with a Florida personal injury lawyer to discuss what is available to you and how you can pursue monetary awards by providing experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Is Prepared to Help Truvada Injury Victims
Truvada injury victims may feel uncertain as to what they should do to seek compensation related to their losses. The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you make sense of your options. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (855) 529-0269 today.
Call or text (855) 529-0269 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Defective Drugs FAQ:
What Are the Main Symptoms of Kidney Failure?One of the long-term side effects of taking Truvada long-term is kidney failure. It is a condition that causes the prevents kidneys from working correctly and filtering toxins from the body. Individuals with kidney failure experience a reduction in urine production, fatigue, nausea, and confusion, among others. End-stage kidney failure requires patients to undergo routine... Read More
What Is a TDF Drug?A tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drug is used to prevent the contraction of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They were first FDA-approved in 2001 and classified as an antiretroviral medication called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). They work by stopping the cell division process in HIV. TDF drugs have been linked with bone, liver,... Read More
What Is the Average Truvada Lawsuit Settlement?The pending class-action lawsuit against Gilead Sciences, Inc., is currently ongoing and no financial settlement has been reached. As such, it makes it difficult to predict the average Truvada lawsuit settlement as cases in California and around the United States continue to develop. However, you can still learn about the types of compensation available for... Read More
The Statute of Limitations for Truvada LawsuitsIn California, there is a pending class-action lawsuit against Gilead, Inc., the manufacturer of Truvada. A Los Angeles County civil court judge approved its certification in 2018 after two patients came forward asserting that they sustained bone and kidney injuries from Truvada and other tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drugs. Florida residents, who suspect that Truvada... Read More
