Truvada is an antiretroviral medication that doctors prescribe for the prevention and treatment of HIV infections. However, the drug can have some serious side effects for patients, including liver damage. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is proof of a link between liver damage and Truvada use. While some of those taking the medication may only experience mild liver damage, others could have severe problems, including liver failure. The FDA also mentions a potential link between Truvada and liver cancer.
It is now clear that Truvada can cause liver damage. If you experienced serious liver issues after taking Truvada and had financial losses as a result, you can consult a Truvada lawsuit lawyer. You could potentially recover compensation.
Truvada’s Potential Effects on the Liver
Gilead Sciences, Inc., which makes Truvada, now includes a warning on the drug’s label, mentioning serious liver damage that could lead to death in rare cases. The drug maker also suggests that you inform a health care provider immediately if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of one’s eyes)
- Urine that is dark or “tea-colored”
- Light-colored stools
- Appetite loss for an extended period
- Nausea
- Pain in the stomach area
Fatty Liver
Truvada can potentially cause a fatty liver. While fatty liver is largely a silent disease that may not cause any major symptoms, individuals could experience fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain as the condition progresses. In some patients, a fatty liver eventually causes liver failure.
Liver Failure
Liver failure can be a reaction to high doses of various medications, including Truvada. Acute liver failure can appear suddenly, while chronic liver failure is a gradually progressing disease. Those suffering from liver failure may experience jaundice, stomach pain, and swelling. In severe liver failure, a patient may require a transplant of the organ.
According to LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), rare but severe adverse liver damage can occur with long-term therapy of Truvada, especially if patients use other antiretroviral medication in combination with tenofovir, Truvada’s active ingredient. The publication further states that liver damage seems to be more common with tenofovir than with other antiretroviral medications.
Other Potential Side Effects of Truvada
Truvada may not only cause liver problems in those taking the medication. Some of the medication’s milder common side effects are:
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Rash
More serious side effects can also occur with Truvada use, including:
- Kidney failure
- Lactic acidosis
- Osteoporosis and bone loss
- Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
Some of the drug’s serious side effects, such as lactic acidosis and acute kidney failure, can be life-threatening. If you are suffering from any side effects while on a once-daily regimen of Truvada, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may be able to recommend a safer HIV prophylaxis medication.
You Could Recover Compensation
Drug manufacturers must make sure they minimize any risks for consumers taking their drugs. This includes listing major side effects on any labeling, as well as other specific safety requirements. Gilead Sciences, Inc., the maker of Truvada, has recently come into the spotlight due to lawsuits where plaintiffs allege the company did not warn consumers adequately of potentially serious side effects. Plaintiffs further state the company deliberately stopped a safer product from entering the market so that it could continue to profit from the more dangerous drug Truvada.
If Truvada caused serious liver damage, and individuals suffered injuries and damages as a result, they could have legal recourse against the drug maker and other liable parties. According to our Truvada lawsuit attorneys, you should seek legal help and explore your options as soon as you have medical evidence and records linking Truvada to your liver damage and other health issues. Potential compensation can include:
- All medical expenses related to the liver damage
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Over-the-counter and prescription medication
- Lost income
- Home health aide services
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs
Those injured could also receive so-called non-economic damages for any suffering and loss of life quality due to liver damage. Non-economic damages can include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life quality and enjoyment
- Disability
Compensation can also include other damages, depending on the individual claim. If you have suffered significant liver damage due to Truvada, consult with a Truvada lawsuit lawyer to find out if you have legal options for recovering your due.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Fight for Your Rights
When ordinary people get hurt by large corporations, they might shy away from getting justice and the compensation they deserve. However, if you suffered significant harm due to a defective drug, you have a legal right to take those responsible to account for your injuries and financial losses. We do not shy away from standing up to large pharmaceutical companies on your behalf and can fight for what you deserve.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC can determine your legal options and next best steps for recovering compensation. Call us now at (800) 983-6116 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
