The FDA is warning that individuals taking Gilead’s HIV drug Atripla could experience bone density complications. 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 Atripla
Manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Atripla is a three-drug combination of efavirenz (EFV), a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), both HIV-1 nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is a potent once-a-day antiretroviral treatment for HIV. Patients take it alone or as part of treating HIV.
FDA approved in 2006, this medication was the first once-daily treatment in the US. 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.
Atripla Bone Density Injuries
Those taking Gilead’s Atripla 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 others had 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 Gilead’s TDF, 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 Atripla 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.