Bone density loss is a condition that is characterized by the deterioration of a person’s skeletal system. Patients who took tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drugs, like Truvada, have complained about bone density loss associated with its use. Common syndromes and health complications that result in bone density loss include osteopenia and osteoporosis, in its later stages.
Causes of Bone Density Loss
Regarding what is bone density loss, several factors can cause bone density loss, including age and lifestyle factors. Over your lifetime, your bones have been resorbing bone tissue and calcium while creating new bone matter to keep them healthy and strong. Bone density loss begins to occur when the skeletal system ceases these functions or begins resorbing old bone and causes it to become weak, brittle, and porous.
Three factors that commonly cause bone density loss in the human body include:
- Aging: Aging causes the bones to become softer over time, and hormonal changes may hasten the process through menopause for women or a decrease in testosterone for men.
- Lifestyle: Vitamin deficiencies and personal habits can also be attributed to bone density loss. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and a lack of vitamin D are all contributing factors to bone density loss.
- Medical: Certain conditions, like kidney disease and kidney failure, can lead to bone density loss since the body is unable to filter out and eliminate old bone tissue. The result is old bone matter being reabsorbed into the skeletal system.
Lawsuits being filed against Gilead Sciences, Inc., Truvada’s manufacturer, primarily relate to kidney injuries that later caused bone density loss in adults, whom doctors do not typically consider to be at risk. Plaintiffs across the country correctly believe that Gilead Sciences should have adequately warned them about bone density loss, yet failed to do so.
The Main Bone Density Loss Injuries Associated with Truvada
The most common conditions associated with bone density loss are osteopenia and osteoporosis. In the case of TDF drug injuries, many patients are being treated for these diseases, which are significant and life-changing.
Here is a closer look at the health consequences associated with bone density loss.
- Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a condition characterized by mild bone density loss. It is often a precursor to osteoporosis, if left untreated. Patients are often alerted to its presence after unusual bone fractures and subsequent x-rays and tests that accompany medical care. Symptoms of osteopenia typically do not present in other ways.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by severe bone density loss. Like osteopenia, early-stage osteoporosis does not have any outward symptoms, and doctors do not know to look for it if a patient is not at risk for the condition. It is typically discovered after uncommon bone fractures. Late stages of osteoporosis present in the form of decreased height and a noticeable slouch in the back.
Treating these conditions requires patients to remain under regular evaluation of their primary care physician. He or she may recommend medication and hormone therapy to preserve and restore your bone’s strength and health. Your doctor will be able to offer a possible cause for your condition, as well as a prognosis regarding your future outlook.
What to Do If You Suspect TDF Drugs Played a Role in Your Bone Density Loss Injury
Patients, who suspect TDF drugs, like Truvada, caused their bone density loss injuries, should continue to follow their doctor’s medical advice at all times. Health and restoration are critical to your well-being and continued health. Your second action should be to contact a Florida personal injury lawyer to evaluate your legal options for financial compensation related to your bone density loss injuries.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Helps Truvada Bone Density Loss Injury Victims
If you or a loved one sustained bone density loss injuries, contact the legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. We can help you gather evidence and pursue compensation for your financial, physical, and emotional losses. You can request yours by calling our main office at (855) 529-0269.
