Truvada does cause lactic acidosis in some individuals. According to a study published by the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, lactic acidosis can cause fatal complications in those taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a main ingredient in the drug Truvada.
Lactic acidosis occurs when there is a buildup of acid in an individual’s blood. Even minor changes in the pH level of blood can have detrimental effects on our organs and overall health. Human blood is naturally slightly alkaline. When the liver fails to clear the body of lactic acid, our blood becomes more acidic, leading to lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a potentially fatal condition.
Truvada can cause liver and kidney damage, which can both result in lactic acidosis and other complications. If you suffered severe medical complications such as lactic acidosis while taking Truvada, you should consider seeking legal advice from a Truvada lawsuit lawyer.
Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis
According to Mayo Clinic, lactic acidosis can appear quickly and severely, with symptoms including:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Generally uncomfortable
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Confusion
- Headache
Since lactic acidosis can appear suddenly and can be life-threatening, it requires emergency medical treatment.
Truvada and Liver Damage
Lactic acidosis can arise when the liver is not functioning properly. Truvada can potentially damage the liver in various ways. In some individuals, Truvada causes “fatty liver,” which, although not serious, can eventually lead to liver failure. Truvada can also cause complete liver failure. Liver failure is a serious medical condition and can result in:
- Fluid in the brain
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood and urinary tract infections
- Kidney failure
Liver failure symptoms can include jaundice, dark urine, stomach pain, excess fluids in the body, weight loss, and others. If you are currently taking Truvada and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Truvada Can Cause Kidney Problems
Kidney failure can also contribute to developing lactic acidosis. When the kidneys fail entirely, patients typically have to undergo a kidney transplant or are dependent on regular dialysis. However, kidney failure is not always permanent and can be reversed with treatment in some cases.
Truvada can put patients at risk for kidney failure if large amounts of TDF accumulate in the body. Complications from Truvada can include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Acute kidney failure
- Fanconi syndrome, a condition affecting the filtering tubes
Symptoms and signs of kidney damage can be fairly non-specific, especially in the beginning stages. Signs of kidney trouble include fatigue, sleeping problems, nausea, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
You Could Have Legal Recourse
Truvada causes lactic acidosis and other health conditions in some individuals.
If you have taken the medication Truvada and suffered from devastating health conditions, such as lactic acidosis, liver damage, osteoporosis, or others, you could potentially file a lawsuit and recover compensation. A Truvada lawsuit lawyer can determine whether you have a claim and help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and other liable parties.
Currently, the manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is defending itself against various lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim that the company knew of potentially damaging health effects but downplayed them on drug labeling. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical company may also have held back a safer medicine, preventing it from entering the market for years.
Time Limits for Defective Drug Lawsuits
While every state sets its own statute of limitations for filing defective drug lawsuits, it can be advantageous to seek legal advice sooner rather than later. Missing the state deadline for filing suit could prevent a harmed individual from receiving the compensation they deserve. Some states have shorter time limits that do not exceed one year. The time generally starts ticking down on the day the injury occurred. Consider also that the sooner you act, the sooner you could receive funds to help with any medical treatments, income losses, and bills.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
Many of us take prescription medicines daily. While we know that side effects are almost always a risk, the law protects us from pharmaceutical companies that act unethically, withholding crucial information about a drug. If you suffered harm and financial losses due to a manufacturer’s failure to warn of significant side effects, you could hold them to account for your damages.
Defective drug lawsuits can be complicated to prove, and pharmaceutical companies can fight claims with teams of lawyers and seemingly unending resources. However, Ben Crump Law, PLLC does not shy away from tough cases and will fight tirelessly for consumers’ rights to safe medication. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your claim at (800) 983-6116.
