We’re now handling new Truvada lawsuits in the United States for kidney and bone injury claims. Gilead HIV drug use involving the TDF tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) drug can cause serious side effects to patients. Various cases have been filed against HIV drug manufacturers claiming renal disease, kidney failure, bone loss, bone fractures, or other serious health complications. Truvada® is one of Gilead’s first brand-name medications developed for HIV. Truvada is an antiviral drug that has been used in the treatment of HIV and he is now using it.
For individuals using Truvada as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, recent revelations about its severe side effects have been alarming. Developed by Gilead Sciences, Truvada has been linked to significant kidney and bone damage, prompting numerous lawsuits. Patients who have suffered due to these adverse effects are now seeking justice and compensation for their suffering.
If you have experienced severe health issues after taking Truvada, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, it is crucial to consult with a Truvada lawsuit lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights. Mass Tort America is dedicated to helping victims of pharmaceutical negligence. Our skilled team can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the support and representation you deserve.
Health Risks Associated With Truvada: Acute Kidney Injury
Truvada, containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine, was approved by the FDA in 2004 and has been widely used to reduce the risk of HIV infection. TDF was one of the first effective medical treatments for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The HIV virus utilizes a particular enzyme called the RT enzyme to replicate its DNA and duplicate virus cells through reverse transcription. TDF can slow or stop the growth or progression of HIV by blocking the RT enzyme that the virus cells use to duplicate themselves.
While effective in its primary purpose for HIV treatment, the drug has been associated with severe side effects, particularly affecting the kidneys and bones. Patients on Truvada have reported kidney-related issues, ranging from reduced kidney function to acute kidney failure. The drug’s active component, TDF, can be harsh on the kidneys over extended periods, leading to these serious health problems. Additionally, Truvada has been linked to significant loss of bone density, causing conditions such as osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
The primary concern is that Gilead Sciences may have known about these risks but did not sufficiently warn patients and healthcare providers. Internal documents uncovered during litigation suggest that Gilead may have delayed the development and release of a safer alternative, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), prioritizing profits over patient safety.
The company has been sued by many product liability companies for alleged bone injuries or kidney problems. Truvada lawsuits allege Gilead made TDF drugs unneeded and unsafe to patients with serious health problems causing kidney failure. Those drug lawsuits have also claimed a terrible outcome in terms of HIV. It’s claimed Gilead deliberately kept releasing better and more effective versions for decades for health concerns.
Some of the lawsuits claim that Gilead intentionally withheld safer and more effective HIV drugs to maximize profits from its first-generation HIV medications for more than a decade.
In 2019, the Northern District of California consolidated these similar actions together for pretrial purposes. Since then, numerous new TDF lawsuits against Gilead, filed in various federal courts, have been transferred—mostly by consent—to the Northern District of California for consolidation with these cases. The net result has been the formation of an “organic” MDL. This unofficial MDL currently has nearly 25,000 plaintiffs in 2023.
The Truvada lawsuit alleges that Gilead failed to properly adequately warn doctors and patients about the actual risks associated with these drugs. Specifically, the plaintiffs’ attorneys claim that the insufficient warnings hindered doctors from adequately monitoring patients for signs of loss of bone density and kidney issues.
Additional Truvada HIV lawsuits are still pending in federal courts nationwide and have not been transferred to the Northern District of California. There are also a large number of Viread and Truvada lawsuits pending in California state courts.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation Files Truvada Class Action Lawsuit
AHF – the largest global health foundation – helped to pursue the AIDS class action in May 2018. This California action has been separated from individual injury suits claiming renal and bone injuries. Gilead has alleged he misrepresented the TDF safety profile in a statement released in 2001. The FDA reprimanded Gilead for claiming the drug did not cause any serious bone damage.
We understand that HIV medications have side effects, but we also expect to be informed of any risks so we can make educated decisions. Despite having a duty to do so, drug manufacturer Gilead failed to warn users about the serious and potentially fatal dangers of Truvada, according to a lawsuit brought by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Latest Truvada Lawsuit Updates
From June 2024 the plaintiff has filed a Truvada HIV lawsuit against Gilead. The suit also includes claims by Viread Atripla, Complera, and Stribild because these medications are also loaded with tetanorphine disoproxil fumarate. To date, no court-approved settlements or verdicts have been issued. The first bellwether trial is expected for 2022 in California State and Federal Court. The company faces lawsuits against several thousand plaintiffs in multiple states.
May 2024 Update The California Supreme Court has agreed to review an appellate court’s decision that Gilead Sciences Inc. must face allegations it delayed releasing a safer HIV drug to maximize profits from an older drug. This will be a huge decision for this litigation, but there is reason to be confident of the outcome.
Since May 2018, more than 1,000 people have been injured from TDF medications and drug abuse. Almost all Truvada cases have been filed with courts. On June 11, 2024, the Gilead Science Corporation agreed to the $40 million Truvada settlement.
The plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim that Gilead intentionally designed its TDF drugs to be excessively and unnecessarily toxic to patients’ kidneys and bones, while deliberately withholding a safer version of the drugs for over a decade to boost profits.
Federal Litigation Truvada Settlement In Northern District of California
This is a California legal dispute and all claims are disputed. Truvada sued in federal courts. We have no time to concentrate on this particular issue. Gilead Sciences has agreed this month to settle all plaintiffs and their attorneys. What are the positive things about it? It is a question of your viewpoint. The settlement is expected to be made to more than 265 eligible plaintiffs in the next three years. The calculations here are painful: they averaged $12500 for each case. It is disappointing to see people suffering so severely.
Gilead Purposefully Withheld a Safer Alternative Drug
It’s a crucial point in all these lawsuits. When Truvada received approval from the FDA in 2004, Gilead already had an improved version that was much better and safer. This new safer version is known as TAF (tenofovir alafenimi fumarate). This functioned similarly to TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and was absorbed better in HIV. TAF has a more effective ability to stop HIV-positive cells by absorption of it in their cells. TAF remained toxic to bones and kidneys, however, the lower dose requirements arose and some characteristics were lower – less detrimental compared with TDF.
Lawsuits filed against Gilead Sciences, Inc. claim that the pharmaceutical company knew about the severe health risks Truvada posed to HIV patients but did not disclose them to the public. Additionally, the complaints allege that Gilead developed a second, safer drug but withheld it from the market to continue profiting from Truvada until its patent and exclusive sales rights expired.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Truvada Lawsuit?
There is a time limitation in the lawsuits against Truvada. How long it takes to file your suit varies according to the type of litigation. In many cases, a plaintiff can sue the drug manufacturer if the injuries were not incurred in the course of a product’s use. The statute of limitations varies among states and it is difficult to calculate how quickly this period will start and how long the time. It is important to consult the attorney immediately.
Legal Grounds For Truvada Lawsuits
Truvada lawsuits primarily revolve around product liability and failure to warn. Product liability involves holding manufacturers accountable for ensuring their products are safe for consumer use. Plaintiffs argue that Gilead Sciences failed to properly test Truvada and disclose the potential long-term risks associated with its use. The failure to warn claims contend that the company did not provide adequate warnings about the drug’s serious side effects, leaving patients uninformed and at risk.
Furthermore, some lawsuits accuse Gilead of false advertising, promoting Truvada as a safe and effective treatment without adequately disclosing its risks. Plaintiffs argue that, had they been fully informed of the dangers, they might not have taken the drug. This alleged deceptive marketing practice is a critical aspect of many Truvada lawsuits.
Another significant element is the development of TAF, a safer alternative to TDF. Plaintiffs claim that Gilead deliberately delayed TAF’s release to extend Truvada’s profitability, despite knowing that TAF posed fewer risks to patients. This prioritization of profit over patient safety is a central issue in many lawsuits, raising ethical concerns about Gilead’s conduct.
Impact On Patients And Their Legal Options
The side effects of Truvada have profound implications for patients and their families. Kidney damage can lead to chronic health issues, requiring ongoing medical treatment and possibly dialysis or kidney transplants. Bone density loss can result in debilitating fractures, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life and independence.
Truvada Side Effects TDF-based Gilead HIV drugs like Truvada can potentially cause a range of serious side effects and health issues, including Acute kidney injury (AKI) Bone fractures Bone mineral density loss Chronic kidney disease (CKD) End-stage renal disease (ESRD) Fanconi syndrome, which can cause kidney damage and bone loss Kidney or renal failure Osteoporosis, which can increase the user’s risk of suffering broken bones Renal insufficiency/impairment.
Patients suffering from these side effects face substantial medical costs, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life. Many have turned to legal action to seek compensation for these losses. Successful lawsuits can help cover medical expenses, provide financial support, and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
The legal process can be complex and emotionally taxing for families, who often need significant support and resources. Expert legal representation can offer the necessary expertise and advocacy to ensure that victims and their families receive fair compensation.
How Mass Tort America Can Assist You
Pursuing a lawsuit can be intimidating, but Mass Tort America is here to help. Our experienced Truvada lawsuit lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the challenges you face and is dedicated to providing comprehensive support throughout the legal process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
At Mass Tort America, we provide personalized attention to each client. We recognize that each case is unique and work diligently to build a strong case tailored to your specific circumstances. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
Mass Tort America is committed to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions. With a nationwide reach, we assist clients from all over the country, providing a concierge team to help coordinate every aspect of your case. If you or a loved one has been affected by Truvada, contact Mass Tort America today at 800-356-4338 or visit our contact form at https://masstortamerica.com/contact/.
