Atripla Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Atripla Lawsuit Overview

Atripla lawsuits allege that Gilead Sciences failed to adequately warn patients about serious side effects including kidney damage and bone loss. The active ingredient, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), has been linked to kidney toxicity and bone demineralization in numerous patients.

These lawsuits claim that Gilead Sciences knew about these risks but downplayed them to maintain sales of their HIV medication.

Latest Atripla Lawsuit Updates

October 2018 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) downgraded Atripla from a “recommended” regimen to an “alternative” regimen for people just beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART).

May 2018 – AIDS Health Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, helped file a class action lawsuit against Gilead Sciences on behalf of Devin Martinez, Ricardo Wohler, and others who purchased Truvada and other TDF drugs.

2002-2003 – The FDA reprimanded Gilead Sciences for claiming TDF had no toxicities and would not cause bone or kidney damage, but the company allegedly continued to downplay the risks.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to clinical studies analyzed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, patients treated with tenofovir (the active ingredient in Atripla) experienced a significantly faster loss of kidney function compared to control subjects. The mean difference between groups in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) loss was estimated at 3.9 mL/min [1].

Declines in GFR averaging 7–10 mL/min/year have been reported in subjects treated with tenofovir [2]. For comparison, the age-related estimated loss of GFR is only −1 mL/min/year. This rate of decline is similar to what is observed in diabetic nephropathies and could lead to end-stage renal disease in approximately 10 years.

Atripla Injuries & Side Effects

Atripla has been associated with a range of serious side effects that affect multiple body systems, particularly the kidneys and bones.

• Bone Injuries: Bone mineral loss, osteopenia, osteoporosis, bone fractures
• Kidney Problems: Declining kidney function, kidney damage, kidney toxicity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute renal failure, kidney failure
• Liver Problems: Lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly
• Nervous System Problems: Dizziness, insomnia, abnormal dreams, depression

“Atripla can cause serious, life-threatening side effects. These include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), liver problems, severe skin rash and allergic reactions, mental health problems, and new or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure,” stated Laura Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP, Acting Director, Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV

Do You Qualify for an Atripla Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Atripla lawsuit if:

• You used Atripla for HIV treatment.
• You experienced serious side effects including kidney damage, bone loss, or bone fractures.
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Atripla use.

Evidence Required for an Atripla Lawsuit

To pursue an Atripla lawsuit, you will need to provide:

• Medical records showing you were prescribed Atripla
• Documentation of diagnoses related to kidney or bone injuries
• Medical history showing the timeline between Atripla use and the onset of symptoms
• Evidence of all medical treatments and related expenses

Damages You Can Recover

By filing an Atripla lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• All current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

What is Atripla?

Atripla (generic: efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate TDF) is a medication that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It doesn’t cure HIV or AIDS, but instead may slow the disease’s progress and prolong life. Atripla is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2006.

What are TDF Medications?

Atripla is an antiretroviral drug that belongs to a group of medications known as NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). NRTI drugs work by blocking a specific enzyme called reverse transcriptase (RT), which helps certain types of cells copy their DNA and replicate themselves through a process called reverse transcription.

Retroviruses such as HIV utilize the RT enzyme in their early stages to duplicate and fuel the progression and expansion of the virus inside the body. TDF doesn’t kill the virus so it cannot cure HIV/AIDS.

However, by blocking the RT enzyme, Atripla effectively prevents the HIV cells from multiplying. When used in combination with other drugs, TDF can not only stop HIV from growing but reduce the amount of HIV in the system.

Which Other HIV Drugs Contain Tenofovir?

In addition to Atripla, other HIV Medications that contain tenofovir include:

• Complera
• Stribild
• Truvada
• Viread

Atripla Recall Information

No recall has been issued for Atripla or any other HIV medication containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), despite the reported risks of serious side effects. However, in October 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) downgraded Atripla from a “recommended” regimen to an “alternative” regimen for people just beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART) [3].

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

• Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures or coma in severe cases

AIDS Healthcare Foundation Files Atripla Class Action Lawsuit Over Kidney Injuries

AIDS Health Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, helped file a class action lawsuit against Gilead Sciences on behalf of Devin Martinez, Ricardo Wohler, and others who purchased Truvada and other TDF drugs in May 2018.

This California lawsuit is separate from the individual personal injury lawsuits filed by people who suffered injuries from TDF, but it deals with similar issues.

According to the complaint, Gilead Sciences misrepresented TDF’s safety profile as early as 2001. The FDA even reprimanded Gilead Sciences in 2002 and 2003 for claiming the drug had no toxicities and would not cause bone or kidney damage, but the company continued to downplay the risks.

Allegations against Gilead Sciences in the class action include:

• Failing to disclose that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate TDF had a significant risk for toxicity, bone loss, and kidney damage.
• Failed to warn consumers of the kidney, bone risks and minor trauma in all patients, not just those with preexisting kidney and bone density loss.
• Gilead Sciences misrepresented the risks and benefits of its TDF drugs to sell them.

Atripla Statistics and Facts

As stated by the NCBI, the majority of studies did not find a significantly higher risk of proteinuria, Atripla, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis in HIV patients treated with tenofovir compared to those receiving other antiretroviral drugs [4].

This is somewhat expected since CKD is a severe, irreversible manifestation of kidney toxicity that may take many years to develop. CKD may be asymptomatic until GFR is <30 mL/min/1.73 m². Thus, there is a real chance that nephrotoxicity might be overlooked, as serum creatinine may not rise above the upper limit of normal until GFR is <60 mL/min/1.73 m².

According to the NCBI, patients should be trained to collect 24-hour urine specimens for the calculation of creatinine clearance, since estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on serum creatinine using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) or Cockcroft-Gault formulas may underestimate the degree of renal dysfunction in cases where muscle mass is lower than the standard for their age and sex, as is often the case with HIV-infected individuals [5].

Statute of Limitations for Atripla Lawsuits

The time limit to file an Atripla lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Typically, this period ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that Atripla caused your injury. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

FAQs

1. How long do I have to file an Atripla lawsuit?

The time limit to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. It is crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

2. What evidence do I need for an Atripla lawsuit?

Essential evidence includes medical records showing Atripla prescriptions and documentation of side effects, as well as any related medical treatments and expenses.

3. Are there any known settlements or verdicts in Atripla lawsuits?

As of now, specific settlements or verdicts may not yet be publicly available. Consulting a lawyer can provide more up-to-date information on the status of the litigation.

4. What’s the problem with HIV medications like Atripla?

Pending lawsuits allege that the TDF medication tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the active ingredient in Atripla, contributes to kidney problems and bone demineralization due to compromised bone density, which has led to serious side effects in some patients.

5. Has Atripla been recalled?

No. Despite the risk of serious side effects, no recall has been issued for Atripla or any other HIV medication in its class.

Get a Free Atripla Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding Atripla-related injuries. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that restrict the time you have to file a lawsuit after experiencing side effects.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119412/#B21

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119412/#B10
3. https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv-guidelines/37/whats-new-in-the-guidelines
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119412/#B44
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119412/#B11