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, and kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoporosis, and lactic acidosis.
These conditions have given rise to the 2018 class-action lawsuit filed in California related to health injuries after taking TDF drugs.
TDF Drug Brands and Manufacturers
Interestingly enough, the only manufacturer of brand name TDF drugs is Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. is the named defendant in the Truvada injury lawsuit currently ongoing.
They developed and reformulated five TDF drug brands, including
- Viread (2001)
- Truvada (2004)
- Atripla (2011)
- Complera (2012)
- Stribild (2012)
Common and Severe Side Effects Associated With Taking a TDF Drug
The common symptoms associated with taking a TDF drug are manageable and treatable after talking with your physician. Common side effects of taking this drug include fatigue, high blood pressure, appetite loss, nausea, and many others.
The more severe side effects of Truvada and other TDF drugs affect the health and performance of a person’s bones and kidneys. There are other significant, but rare, side effects that can compromise your liver health as well.
Kidney Damage
Our kidneys, located along our lower back on both sides of the spine, filter out toxins and other waste matter from our urine.
The consistent long-term use of taking a TDF drug can result in kidney damage. It may start as a decline in kidney function and then progress to a total loss. In these situations, a patient must undergo routine dialysis or an organ transplant procedure.
The most common kidney injuries associated with taking TDF drugs include:
- Acute renal failure (ARF)
- Tubular dysfunction
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Fanconi syndrome
If you have taken TDF drugs and are concerned about your kidney health, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can order the required tests that will confirm or deny any complications associated with taking the medication.
Bone Injuries
TDF drugs affect a person’s ability to resorb and form bone tissue. This condition can lead to bones becoming malformed or porous. Unusual bone breaks and fractures are the most common signs that a person may be experiencing bone loss.
However, there are other telltale signs, including chronic back pain, slumped posture, and decreased height. The most common bone injuries associated with TDF drugs include osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Lactic Acidosis
Although rare, lactic acidosis is a serious condition when the liver is unable to regulate the body’s pH levels. If left untreated, a build-up of lactic acid occurs in the muscular system. It is painful and can lead to liver damage over the long-run.
What To Do if You Suspect a TDF Drug Caused Your Injuries
After confirming a diagnosis with your primary care physician, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer. He or she can offer you legal counsel under the options available for financial compensation if you received injuries after taking a TDF drug. Time limitations exist in filing a claim, so you will want to contact a legal professional as soon as possible.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Defend the Rights of Those Injured by a TDF Drug
You should not have to pay for taking a TDF drug that you believed was safe. The partners at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will work with you directly and protect your rights to compensation. We extend an invitation to discuss the details of your claim over a free consultation. Request yours today by calling (855) 529-0269.
