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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Truvada is a prescription medication that can help prevent HIV infection. Unfortunately, it has also been discovered that the drug can cause serious side effects, including bone and kidney damage. People who have taken the medication and later suffered those effects have a right to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to take certain steps before taking such action.
Know About the Truvada Class-Action Lawsuit
Before filing a Truvada lawsuit, it’s important to know its history. Specifically, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company that created Truvada. The lawsuit was filed in California in 2018 and alleged that the company knowingly sold the medication while it contained tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or TDF, a harmful ingredient that could cause damage to the bones and kidneys.
The lawsuit further claimed that the company knew about the potential health dangers to patients but did nothing to warn them or the prescribing doctors. The plaintiffs also claimed that Gilead Sciences had developed a safer alternative to Truvada that contained tenofovir alafenamide instead of TDF but that the company didn’t release it on the market until the dangerous drug ran out. The lawsuit alleged that this was done to rake in even larger profits.
It’s possible to join this class-action lawsuit that was already filed if you have suffered injuries from taking Truvada, or you might be able to file your lawsuit. For example, if you have suffered serious bone or kidney damage after taking Truvada, talk to a Ben Crump attorney regarding your Truvada lawsuit. Your lawyer can help you determine your best options, as there is still time for you to receive a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
Gather Your Medical Records as Confirmation of Diagnosis
If you have already seen your doctor and have been diagnosed with bone damage or kidney damage, you will want to get copies of your medical records as part of your evidence. However, if you have yet to get a diagnosis of one of these conditions after taking Truvada, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. You should be diagnosed before filing a Truvada lawsuit. If you have no such diagnosis, you would not be eligible to file or join a class-action lawsuit.
When you visit your doctor, they will ask you questions about your overall health and perform certain tests to determine whether or not you have suffered bone or kidney damage.
Keep Records of Your Expenses
You should also keep records of your expenses related to your injuries. For example, if Truvada has caused you bone or kidney damage and illnesses, you have probably seen your doctor and specialists for treatment. Keep all records of your medical expenses as part of your evidence for your Truvada lawsuit. Any amounts you have had to pay out of pocket can be added to the compensation you seek as part of your damages. Your personal injury attorney will help you determine how much your lawsuit is worth.
What Are the Side Effects of Truvada?
While Truvada carries certain common side effects, some aren’t as common. However, the most dangerous are those affecting the bones and kidneys. Truvada side effects include the following:
- Rash
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia
- Kidney failure
- Skin changes
- Lactic acidosis
- Fatty liver
What Damages Could You Recover in Your Lawsuit?
Like many people who have taken Truvada, you might be left with devastating effects on your bones, kidneys, and other organs. This gives you the legal right to file a lawsuit. If your Truvada lawsuit is successful, you can claim various damages as part of your compensation. They include the following:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium, and more.
In terms of the two lattermost damages, this could apply to both you as the plaintiff and your family members. Your injuries from taking Truvada are not only your own, as your loved ones may also have to bear some of the stress. For this reason, it is crucial to seek a specialized Truvada attorney for your personal injury case to keep you updated on the situation and help you recover as much as you can.
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