Truvada Allegations
Individuals who took Truvada and developed serious complications such as bone density loss and kidney problems are taking legal action against Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of Truvada containing TDF. Allegations include failing to adequately warn users of the drug’s severe side effects and intentionally delaying development of a safer version of the HIV medicine to maximize profits.
What are TDF Drugs?
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) is the active ingredient for a class of antiretroviral drugs known as Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) commonly used to treat HIV. The drugs stop HIV from multiplying by blocking an enzyme in the body called Reverse Transcriptase. TDF drugs are prescribed in combination with other medications to help improve the quality of life for those living with HIV. All five of the TDF drugs on the market today are produced by Gilead Sciences.
In 2017 alone, TDF drugs generated a whopping $11 billion in revenue for Gilead
What is Truvada?
Truvada is a prescription to treat individuals who test positive for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Truvada is also used as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults at high-risk.
The Dangers of Truvada
Truvada is linked to serious side effects such as kidney failure and decreased bone density due to high toxicity of the medication. Gilead Sciences is accused of failing to adequately warn patients of these risks and suppressing a safer version of the medication for over a decade to maximize profits.
Truvada Side Effects
- Kidney Problems: Acute Kidney Injuries, Chronic Kidney Disease, Renal Failure, Kidney Failure, and related Nephritic Injuries
- Bone Density Issues: Bone fractures, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Osteomalacia, and related Orthopedic Injuries
Allegations that Gilead Sciences Put Profits Over People
Lawsuits filed by patients with HIV allege that Gilead suppressed a safer version of the drug with far less toxicity in order to maximize profits by extending the sales of the initial TDF drug. In the late 1990s when Gilead was developing treatment for HIV, their own lab testing proved TAF (Tenofovir Alafenamide) was a safer alternative because it released fewer toxins into the body and therefore placed less strain on the kidneys to filter out the waste. The strain of expelling the TDF’s high toxicity level can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure. Rather than seeking FDA approval for the safer TAF option, Gilead sought and was granted approval in 2001 for the TDF based medication, Viread.
Despite the knowledge of a safer alternative drug, Gilead did not release TAF based medications until just a few years ago. Their decision put may patients who were already suffering with HIV at greater risk of developing kidney problems and bone density issues. The decision also rewarded drug manufacturer Gilead Sciences with millions of dollars in additional revenue as the out-of-pocket cost for many consumers reached an astronomical $2,000 per month.
How Case Works Can Assist Your Office with Truvada Torts
Case Works can help your law firm evaluate cases to determine whether your clients are entitled to damages from Gilead Sciences after taking Truvada. As an extension of your staff, our team of case managers and nurses will handle client communication and provide thorough medical evaluations so you can focus on winning cases for your clients. We offer a full range of case management and medical review services including:
- Intake Fact Review and Welcome Call
- Medical Record Retrieval and Document Management
- Medical Record Review and Summary
- Case Management and Client Communication
- Coordinating Audiology Tests and Medical Treatment
- Completing the Plaintiff Fact Sheet
- Filing cases to the MDL
Resources:
Medical News Today – What is Truvada?
Patients sue Gilead, saying drug company intentionally delayed safer HIV medicine
Truvada: Class Action Filed Complaint
Truvada: Personal Injury Filed Claim
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