Truvada is an antiviral drug that belongs to a group of similar medications that can help prevent high-risk individuals from contracting HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) names the two active ingredients in Truvada as tenofovir and emtricitabine. Both ingredients are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with antiviral properties.
Truvada is used for two main purposes:
- HIV Treatment
As an antiviral drug, Truvada can help lower the body’s viral count, and therefore, slow or halt the progression of HIV.
- Prevention of HIV Infections
Truvada has been shown to be up to 90% effective in preventing individuals from contracting HIV, through sexual activity, according to Stanford Health Care. Truvada can be used for preventing HIV infections in high-risk individuals, such as those with an HIV-positive sexual partner and others. When Truvada is used in this way, it is also sometimes called a “pre-exposure prophylaxis” treatment (PrEP).
The Controversy Surrounding Truvada
Truvada and similar antiretrovirals have been groundbreaking for individuals with HIV and those wanting to avoid an HIV infection. However, there are some controversies surrounding Truvada when it comes to one of its active ingredients, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). In most people, Truvada may cause only mild side effects, such as nausea, rash, headaches, and abdominal pain. However, in others, Truvada can cause potentially life-threatening complications.
Many prescription drugs have side effects. Some medications may even cause serious health problems. However, the side effects should be clearly labeled. This allows patients and doctors to assess whether the risks outweigh the benefits of the drug regarding a particular individual. Not knowing the full extent of any side effects could prove fatal for a patient.
In the case of Truvada, several recently filed lawsuits allege that its manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, Inc., knew of some potentially serious side effects and failed to warn consumers adequately about potential health risks.
However, there is an additional controversy surrounding Truvada. Some lawsuits allege the company had concluded developing a newer and safer medicine without the controversial ingredient TDF. The pharmaceutical company now stands accused of holding safer medicine back from the market for several years to profit fully from Truvada. TDF can cause potentially devastating health conditions, including life-threatening amounts of acid in the blood, acute kidney failure, and severe liver problems.
Those who suffered significant injuries due to the medication are now suing the company for damages. If you suffered from any detrimental health effects due to using Truvada, you should speak to a Truvada lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to hold the manufacturer accountable for your losses.
Serious Side Effects of Truvada
While some may have only mild-to-moderate side effects of Truvada, others may have to face lifelong health consequences. Some of Truvada’s more serious side effects include:
- Osteoporosis and common fractures
- Bone loss
- Lactic acidosis
- Fatty liver
- Liver failure
- Acute kidney failure
- Changes in the immune system
There could be other serious side effects of Truvada. If you experience any adverse health conditions while taking the drug, you should consult with your doctor as soon as you can.
Truvada May Not Prevent all HIV Infections
Those who are willing to endure various side effects while taking Truvada may have a false sense of security and perhaps engage in unprotected sex, believing they are completely safe from contracting HIV. While Truvada seems to be highly effective at preventing HIV infections, it does not prevent all infections.
In other words, if those taking Truvada engage in unprotected sex, thinking they are safe, they may be at a higher risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In fact, AIDS Reviews suggests that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in those taking antiviral drugs as an HIV prophylaxis.
Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your Truvada Lawsuit
If you suffered harm from the drug Truvada, you should contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, as soon as possible. Most states have deadlines when it comes to filing legal actions concerning defective drugs. Acting promptly can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you are suffering from painful or debilitating medical conditions after taking Truvada, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of initiating a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company. However, you do not have to do this on your own as professional and compassionate help is available.
We fight tirelessly to help people who have been hurt by companies or other entities get the justice they deserve. Victims of a drugmakers’ negligence should not have to foot the bill for their medical expenses and other costs.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, now at (800) 983-6116 for a free case review.
