Studies have linked the rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra (tocilizumab injection) to serious side effects including heart failure, stroke, interstitial lung disease, and more than 1,100 deaths.
About Actemra
In early 2010, the FDA first approved the Roche manufactured drug, Actemra to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The drug works by reducing inflammation by blocking an immune messenger. Then, doctors give the drug to patients as an intravenous infusion on a monthly basis or as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Over 1.5 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis, which is a debilitating autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints of the hands, feet, knees, elbows, and ankles. Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. This then results in swelling and pain around the joints. If untreated, damage to cartilage and bone can occur. In some cases, irreversible joint deformity happens. This is why treatment is vital.
Roche cashed in on it, too. Actemra is Roche’s fifth highest-grossing drug, according to health and medicine publication STAT, netting $1.7 billion in global sales last year alone.
Actemra Kills
Just six years after approval, the FDA received nearly 14,000 side-effect reports involving Actemra. Some also implicated that Actemra was responsible for over 1,000 deaths. The causes of death listed in the majority of these FDA reports were heart disease, lung disease, and stroke.
In fact, the complaints to the FDA show that not only does manufacturer Roche fail to provide adequate warning labels, but also the drug may actually cause more adverse events than other drugs on the market. Researchers linked Actemra to higher adverse event reports when compared with the more widely used drugs Humira, Remicade and Enbrel. Moreover, those other drugs actually have accurate warning labels. Actemra does not.
As a result, the side effects experienced from taking Acterma can affect various parts of the body.
Actemra & Bone Marrow Problems
Actemra & Brain Problems
Actemra & Heart Problems
Actemra & Joint Problems
Actemra & Lung Problems
Actemra & Nerve Problems
Actemra & Skin Problems
Actemra & Stomach Problems
We Want to Help Victims
After all, it is your right to be informed about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take. Therefore, it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If you or a loved one has developed pancreatitis and have taken Acterma, you should demand accountability. Why didn’t Roche tell you about these serious side effects?
We want to also help send a message that this is not acceptable. If a dangerous product harmed you, we will be your advocate. Additionally, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. You may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
To this end, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
Then, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages. These punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. Therefore, if you developed a serious side effect after taking Actemra, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
Related Links
Living with RA Is Hard, but Actemra Makes It Worse
Actemra & Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
FDA Connected to Manufacturer of Deadly Arthritis Drug Actemra
