The FDA is warning that individuals taking Gilead’s HIV drug Stribild could experience kidney disease or bone density loss.  Gilead knew its drug was dangerous, yet released it to the market anyway. There are multiple less toxic versions on the market, yet Gilead wanted to increase its profits instead of helping those struggling with HIV.

About Stribild

Manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Stribild is a “quad” pill. This means it contains a combination of four different drugs.  These include Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), elvitegravir, cobicistat, and emtricitabine.  It is one of the newest TDF drugs as the FDA only approved it in 2012.

It works by interfering with the enzymes that cause HIV-infected cells to duplicate. Therefore, it slows the spread in the body. However, even though it helps individuals live longer with the disease, Gilead never warned about the other dangerous side effects.

Stribild Injuries

Those taking Stribild describe two main injuries when taking the medication. These include kidney disease and bone density loss.

Chronic Kidney Disease Injuries

Nearly 20,000 people taking Stribild reported kidney damage. Kidneys are normally resilient to damage, however, when symptoms start, it is hard to reverse them. Kidneys filter wastes from the bloodstream into the urine and out the body. However, those taking this medication reported chronic kidney disease. This prevented the kidneys from effectively filtering the bloodstream.

Symptoms of this include:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Need to urinate frequently
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal protein levels in the urine
• High creatinine levels diagnosed by a physician or other healthcare provider
• Abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels (15 to 90) as determined by tests and blood work
• Death due to renal failure

Aside from chronic kidney disease, individuals taking this drug are at risk of developing several other kidney-related conditions, including:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute renal failure (ARF): A kidney disorder in which the kidneys suddenly have difficulty filtering waste from the blood.
• Fanconi syndrome: A kidney tubule disorder that causes excessive levels of glucose, potassium, and bicarbonate to be excreted in the urine.
• Renal tubular acidosis: A kidney condition involving the build-up of acid in the bloodstream due to the kidneys failing to filter it out.

Bone Density Injuries

Those taking these medications reported nearly 10,000 reports of bone density loss. In fact, a 2010 study found:

A strong correlation between loss of bone density in HIV-infected individuals, particularly in conjunction with the antiretroviral drug tenofovir.

Another study from 2016 found that Stribild has a 1-3 percent greater bone mineral density loss than other anti-viral drugs. Without new bone tissue replacing the older one, osteoporosis sets in it. This is a condition in which bones are so weak that minor falls or stresses can cause them to fracture.

Common symptoms for osteoporosis and osteopenia include:

• Back pain
• Stooped posture
• Loss of height
• Bone fractures with physician or healthcare provider diagnosis of bone weakening or demineralization
• Bone density loss, bone demineralization, or weakening of the bones diagnosed by a physician or other healthcare provider

Speak to an Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Stribild, you need an attorney with experience helping people who have been harmed by pharmaceutical drugs. The attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm know what it takes to go up against drug manufacturers to get clients what they need.

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

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

Therefore, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future. If you developed bone issues or kidney failure after taking Stribild or another TDF drug, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.

Also, case evaluations are free of cost and without obligation. Call us today at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your options. We may be able to get you the help you need.