Tort Updates

Everything You Need To Know About the Truvada Lawsuit

Truvada was intended to be a preventative medication to decrease the risk of contracting sexually-transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but has recently been linked to various complications.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Truvada in 2012 as a form of preventive treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to decrease the risk of contracting sexually-transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

However, on May 8, 2018, plaintiffs filed two Truvada lawsuits against Gilead Sciences, Inc. Each Truvada lawsuit claimed that the medication leads to permanent damage to kidneys and bones. The allegations also stated that the company attempted to suppress a safer aspect of the drug with less harm.

Are you concerned about taking Truvada? Or do you believe it has caused you significant health risks? Read on to learn more about Truvada, its risks and side effects, and the details behind the Truvada class action lawsuit.

What Is Truvada?

Truvada can both treat and prevent HIV infection. It was the first drug to get approved to cut the risk of HIV infection in uninfected people who are at high risk of HIV infection. Those prescribed Truvada take it daily. 

What Is the Truvada Class Action Lawsuit?

The Truvada class action lawsuit claims that the drug manufacturer Gilead Sciences did not warn patients about the significant health risks and possibly fatal side effects of taking Truvada. 

Furthermore, a lawsuit brought by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation alleges that Gilead Sciences kept a safer drug from the market for several years due to the profit growth of Truvada.

Has Truvada Been Recalled?

Currently, the FDA has not required a Truvada recall. However, on July 1, 2019, the FDA announced eliminating the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Truvada and its four generic pills. It may take longer before a Truvada recall occurs.

Possible Risks of Taking Truvada

Some of the biggest risks of taking Truvada include:

  • Bone density loss and bone fractures
  • Osteoporosis
  • Kidney failure
  • Renal impairment
  • Even death

These dangerous health risks led to ongoing lawsuits against Gilead Sciences for the potentially dangerous Truvada medication.

The Side Effects Associated with Truvada

Some of the more common and typical side effects of taking Truvada include:

  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Problems with breathing
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Skin rashes
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain

These side effects are not pleasant, so patients will need to consider the pros and cons of the Truvada drug before taking the prescription.

Kidney Failure Risks

Patients taking Truvada have a higher risk of facing kidney failure and major renal issues. A study from the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California found that the tenofovir compound in Truvada is linked to a significant increase in kidney damage risk.

Bone Density Loss

Taking Truvada has also been linked with bone density loss and even the development of osteoporosis. The drug can potentially cause brittle and broken bones. 

FDA’s Ongoing Communication With Gilead Sciences

In March 2002, the FDA sent a letter to Gilead Sciences outlining the false statements its representatives made at a scientific conference. The statements involved claiming Truvada was nontoxic and led to no kidney failure or risk to the skeletal system. However, the risks were already known. The FDA has also created a PrEP Fact Sheet to ensure safer use of Truvada.

What if I Was Affected By The Truvada Claim?

If you have experienced serious health risks after taking Truvada, you may be entitled to compensation. To see if you qualify for this compensation, submit a free eligibility check today to get started.

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