HIV patients and other patients at risk of HIV are taking legal action against Gilead Sciences, Inc., the maker of antiviral drugs containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (“TDF”). The brand name drugs Truvada, Viread, Atripla, Stribild, and Complera are compounded with TDF, which has been linked to severe side effects.
Baron & Budd has represented individuals in lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies for more than 40 years. If you took one of these drugs and suffered harm as a result, we may be able to help.
How TDF is Supposed to Work
Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which attacks the immune system of the body. If not held in check, HIV can rapidly multiply throughout the body, destroying immune cells and leaving the body susceptible to a host of severe infections. Medications can help patients control the virus so that they can continue to live a normal life and lower the risk of infection to others.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TDF for use in adults in 2001. TDF medications are designed to block the formation of an enzyme that allows the virus to multiply. In doing so, it helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the body and can help people with HIV live longer. More recently, TDF medications were approved for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV, as TDF can lower the chance of patients contracting HIV.
Severe Problems
However, TDF has been linked to several severe kidney and bone injuries. Researchers conducting a 2017 study found that TDF use can lead to chronic kidney disease. According to the study, the longer someone uses the drug, the higher the risk of developing the condition. TDF use may also increase a patient’s risk for bone loss. In 2016, researchers indicated that there was greater bone mineral density loss associated with TDF than with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (“TAF”). A 2018 study found that people who took medications containing the substance had substantially less hip bone density.
Talk to a Lawyer
Baron & Budd may be able to help if you took a drug containing TDF and suffered kidney damage or bone loss. We will work diligently to hold Gilead accountable for injuries caused by its products and actions. Please call 866-723-1890 or contact us online to learn more.
This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. Please consult with your physician prior to discontinuing use of any prescribed medication.