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TRUVADA LITIGATION


Product Liability Lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in Pharmaceutical Litigation and drug injury cases
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Truvada Attorney

Investigating kidney failure and bone density loss allegedly linked to Truvada

Truvada PrEP with TDF is approved to treat HIV-negative adults and protect them from contracting the virus. Injured plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Gilead Sciences, claiming they have been harmed by Truvada, an HIV medication allegedly linked to dangerous side effects and complications.

Truvada (tenofovir disproxil), one of the most prescribed medicines for HIV, and plaintiffs have claimed it has been associated with kidney failure, bone density loss, and other injuries by patients throughout the country. Attorneys representing injured HIV patients are investigating if Gilead may have intentionally delayed the development of a safer drug in order to continue profiting while patients risked kidney failure.

The class action lawsuit alleges Gilead knew as far back as 2000 that the company’s research department had developed a less dangerous and less toxic HIV medicine that better limited the risk of kidney failure and bone density loss. But the company failed to develop the safer medication, according to attorneys, and Gilead may have concealed tenofovir’s risks.

Complaints say HIV patients risk suffering from kidney failure, lactic acidosis and bone toxicity, as well as other side effects and complications.

Joe Lyon is an experienced drug injury attorney representing plaintiffs in pharmaceutical class actions and engaging large drug companies in injury settlements.

Truvada for PrEP

PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, can be used to protect patients before contact with HIV-1. Truvada, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2001. Gilead sold the drug under the brand name Viread, then later Atripla, Truvada, Stribild and Complera.

For individuals taking Truvada with TDF to treat HIV, they must take the drug in combination with other HIV medicines like NRTIs for a complete treatment regimen.

Lawsuits allege Gilead knew their drug—in high dosages—could cause kidney damage and bone loss as early as 2001. But the drug labeling failed to alert patients of the potential risks.

According to attorneys, Gilead developed a different version of the medicine called tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) that was arguably less toxic and more effective. But studies of the drug’s effectiveness were not disclosed for several years, perhaps because it was more profitable to keep selling the inferior drug.

Not until 2015 did the FDA approve TAF in a drug called Genvoya, as well as Odefsey and Descovy. Meanwhile plaintiffs involved in the Truvada lawsuits have developed osteopenia and osteoporosis, and Fanconi syndrome, a rare kidney disorder.

Now Gilead Sciences faces lawsuits and allegations of a failure to warn patients of serious side effects like osteoporosis, lactic acidosis, dental issues and kidney failure after taking the antiretrovirals. Other side effects of Truvada with TDF include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, muscular pain, skin problems and sleep issues.

Truvada Injury Lawsuits

Class action lawsuits have been filed by thousands of HIV patients and PrEP users, and plaintiffs argue that Gilead ought to create a fund for those victims of TDF-related drug injury. Attorneys and consumer protection advocates are seeking resolution and compensation for those injured. Gilead marketed and sold less effective drugs for almost 15 years.

Gilead disputes the allegations that the company failed to warn patients. The company has stated that in the past it has included warnings about side effects for patients with a history of kidney or bone loss related ailments. Plaintiffs say Gilead violated Strict Products Liability and Failure to warn, Gross Negligence, and Breach of Express and Implied Warranty laws.

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

photo of TRUVADA attorney Joe Lyon
Filing Drug Injury Lawsuits

Why are drug injury cases important?

By taking the initiative and filing drug injury lawsuits, plaintiffs can receive proper compensation and hold a corporation accountable for their negligent actions. Consumer safety depends largely on making sure companies operate within the law and within ethical boundaries.

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Questions about Truvada Litigation

Who is Liable for Truvada complications?

Gilead allegedly was allegedly aware of Truvada complications and tested tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which is not linked to the same kidney failure risks. But the company was selling so much of their product, a change did not make business sense.

Lawyers are now filing lawsuits, claiming gross negligence, breach of warranty, strict product liability, design defect, failure to warn consumers, and breach of implied warranty.

What are common truvada side effects and complications?
  • Kidney Failure
  • Bone density loss
  • Lactic Acidosis
  • Liver damage
  • Bone fractures
Is Truvada Safe?

Truvada is a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug taken by patients to ensure safety from HIV-1. It has a record of success, but there are safety concens. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2012, and has been widely popular around the world. But serious side effects and claims of Truvada complications have prompted product liability attorneys to look closer at the manufacturer’s (Gilead Medicine) marketing and distribution practice. In 2018, attorney and injured plaintiffs filed suit against Gilead, alleging the company has withheld a safer alternative drug for years in hopes of prolonging the current profitability of Truvada.

Research shows that PrEP can help prevent new HIV infections when used as intended. Studies show that daily Truvada as PrEP can reduce risk of infection by up to 90 percent. But the risks and Truvada complications remain uncertain

Should I stop Taking truvada?

Before discontinuing any drug, it is prudent to speak to your physician. Together you can make an informed decision on whether the drug risks are worth the benefits. 

Do I have a case?

Injured plaintiffs claim that Gilead put patients at unnecessary risk, and could have prevented serious Truvada injury by releasing a similar and safer drug. Patients can elect not to take Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs, though the drugs can be life-changing and lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

If you have suffered as a result of taking Truvada, contact an attorney to review your case. 

Our Pharmaceutical Settlements

Following injuries and health complications linked to a prescribed or OTC drug, The Lyon Firm aggressively, professionally, and passionately advocates for injured individuals and families against Pharmaceutical companies to obtain just compensation under the law. 

IN RE: VIOXX

Nationwide Consolidation in U.S. District Court, E. Dist. of LA. 

This pharmaceutical case involved claims that the company’s “blockbuster” painkiller was causing heart attacks and strokes in consumers. The FDA ultimately recalled the medication. Merck settled the outstanding Vioxx claims for $4.85 billion following multiple trials in both state and federal courts. Joe Lyon was co-counsel in a number of individual claims that were successfully resolved in a federal MDL. The funds received for The Lyon Firm’s clients helped several elderly clients with additional medical and remote healthcare needs.

IN RE: TRASYLOL

Nationwide Consolidation in Civil Complex Litigation Center Philadelphia, PA. 

The Lyon Firm litigated a pharmaceutical case involving claims that a popular surgical medication was causing kidney failure and death. The FDA recalled the medication in question, but not before thousands of patients died due to related complications. Bayer resolved certain claims for $60 Million for patients who suffered kidney failure and death as a result of using Trasylol. Joseph Lyon represented a widow from Kentucky whose husband died due to kidney failure following the administration of Trasylol. The recovered funds assisted the surviving family members in resuming farming operations.