Both TDF and TAF HIV drugs were designed to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS by blocking cell synthesis. While there are significant formulaic differences, the most relevant is that TAFs have a lower-toxicity level. Learning about the difference between TDF and TAF HIV drugs, including the true difference in efficacy and safety, can help you better understand the origins of the Gilead lawsuits filed in California.
What You Should Know About TDF
The prescription drug Truvada is used to manage and prevent cellular synthesis processes of HIV and AIDS. The active ingredient in Truvada is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).
Truvada’s formula is the second TDF formula released by Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in California. The FDA approved it for prescription use and sale in 2004. It was classified as an antiretroviral medication.
TDF drugs were released for prescription use and sale in 2001 under the brand name Viread. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription medication for treating and preventing the synthesis of HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B and C.
TDF drugs are considered to be part of the antiretroviral class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs block the enzyme, reverse transcriptase (RT), which is directly responsible for HIV cell multiplication.
Currently, Gilead Sciences manufactures five different brands of TDFs, including:
- Viread
- Truvada
- Atripla (2006)
- Complera (2011)
- Stribild (2012)
There are several health complications and side effects associated with long-term use. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, headache, and liver problems, among others. Severe complications, including kidney problems, bone damage, and lactic acidosis, are the subject of a class-action lawsuit.
Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) is a Potential Safer Alternative
TAF drugs were released for prescription use and sale in 2015 under the brand name Genvoya. The FDA approved it to treat the same health issues as TDFs.
The main difference between TDF and TAF HIV drugs lies within their formulations. Like TDFs, TAFs are part of the NRTI drug class since they also prohibit the synthesis of HIV and AIDS cells. However, they are different from TDFs in that they require a much smaller dose of the ingredient tenofovir. Lower doses and exposure to tenofovir results in higher renal function and bone mass measurements.
Currently, Gilead Sciences manufactures three different brands of TAFs, including:
- Genvoya
- Odefsey (2016)
- Descovy (2016)
A study funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc. on TAF drugs indicates that patients tolerate the drug well and experience fewer side effects when compared to traditional TDFs.
What to Do If You Suspect TDF Drugs Caused Your Kidney or Bone Damage
There is financial compensation available for patients who experienced kidney or bone damage after taking Truvada or other TDF medications manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc. While hundreds are considering the opportunities afforded by a class-action lawsuit, others are filing personal injury claims and product liability lawsuits in their state of residency.
Consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer to explore your options further.
You have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit
If you believe that Truvada or another TDF-based drug caused your kidney or bone damage, act quickly. You may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit, but there is only a limited window of time to file. Time is of the essence. Waiting too long to take legal action can mean losing your chance to seek compensation.
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing personal injury or product liability claims. In many cases, this deadline starts from the date you discovered your injury or from when you should have reasonably known the damage was linked to the drug. For example, in Florida, most personal injury cases have a two-year deadline.
If you think a TDF drug may have harmed your health, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help determine your eligibility and make sure your claim is filed on time. Also, the sooner you get legal help, the more time your lawyer can spend working on your case.
Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you understand how to file a claim for compensation related to your injuries from taking Truvada or other TDF-based drugs. You can contact our firm for a free, no-obligation case review by calling (855) 529-0269 today.