Tenofovir / Truvada Lawsuit in NC

tenofovir

A bottle of “PrEP” ( Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). used to prevent HIV, on white background.

Tenofovir / Truvada lawsuits claim Gilead Sciences was aware its hepatitis B drug Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) put patients at risk for unnecessary kidney disease and bone injuries. The company made the decision not to remove TDF from the market or sell a safer available alternative.

Our law firm is representing individuals who sustained kidney failure or osteoporosis after utilizing Tenofovir (brand name Truvada). We have been handling lawsuits against drug companies for decades.

What Do We Know About the Tenofovir / Truvada Lawsuits

Plaintiffs claim Gilead Sciences minimized the risks of kidney disease and bone injuries from the use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and had available a safer drug to treat hepatitis B, known as Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF), but withheld it from the market for almost 10 years. Gilead Sciences allegedly withheld TAF in order to maximize the patent and lifecycle of TDF. By doing so, plaintiffs say Gilead exposed patients unnecessarily to the risk of kidney disease and osteoporosis.

TDF and TAF are similar drugs and are derived from the same source. They can have the same side effects. However, TAF can be taken at a much smaller dose than TDF and still provide the same therapeutic effect. It is said to be less toxic than TDF and patients are less likely to suffer serious side effects.

Tenofovir lawsuits allege Gilead knew of TAF’s greater safety and efficacy but intentionally delayed approval of the drug by the FDA until the patent on TDF was about to expire. Gilead did this in order to continue profiting from TDF for as long as the patent could be held, and then get a new patent issued on TAF.

What Are Tenofovir / Truvada Injuries & Side Effects

Gilead warns that the most common side effects of Tenofovir are:

  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • nausea
  • skin rash
  • generalized pain and/or weakness

More serious side effects include lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver).

Kidney damage after long-term Tenofovir use could take several forms. Among these are reductions in renal function, or a rare condition known as Fanconi Syndrome, in which substances such as glucose, which are normally absorbed into the bloodstream, are passed in the urine instead. Bone loss including osteoporosis can put a person at risk of debilitating bone fractures.

Please Contact Us If You Experienced The Following After Taking Tenofovir / Truvada

If you experienced kidney failure or developed osteoporosis while taking Tenofovir / Truvada, contact Ward Black Law at 336-502-6208 by phone or text. We can help you understand your options confidentially and at no charge. We have over 30 years of experience successfully handling dangerous drug and medical device claims for people all across North Carolina.