Complera Lawsuit | 2024 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced kidney damage, bone demineralization, bone fractures, or other serious side effects following the use of Complera HIV medication, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Complera Lawsuit Overview

The Complera lawsuits focus on allegations that Gilead Sciences failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about serious side effects associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a key component in the HIV medication.

Plaintiffs claim that long-term use of Complera can lead to severe kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease and renal failure, as well as bone density loss resulting in fractures, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

According to research from the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, these risks affect many of the estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. living with kidney disease, many of whom are unaware of their condition [1].

Latest Complera Lawsuit Updates

2024 Update – Multiple lawsuits against Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of Complera, continue to progress through the court system. Plaintiffs allege that Gilead knew about the serious kidney and bone risks associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) but failed to disclose these dangers while actively working to delay the development of safer alternatives.

2023 Developments – Several bellwether trials have been scheduled to help determine the potential value of Complera cases. These initial trials are critical in establishing precedents for subsequent litigation and potential settlement frameworks for the thousands of cases pending nationwide.

2022 Consolidation – Courts have consolidated many individual Complera lawsuits into coordinated proceedings to streamline the litigation process. This allows for more efficient handling of similar cases while still preserving each plaintiff’s right to individual compensation based on their specific injuries and circumstances.

The HIV medication market that includes Complera represents billions in annual sales, with estimates suggesting Gilead Sciences earns over $11 billion annually from its HIV drug portfolio.

Economic impact data indicates that patients suffering from TDF-related kidney disease often require costly ongoing medical care, with advanced kidney disease treatment potentially exceeding $70,000 per year per patient, not including the costs associated with bone fractures and related treatments.

FDA Reports and Statistics

While the FDA approved Complera for the treatment of HIV, the agency has received numerous adverse event reports related to its use.

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) has documented cases of severe kidney damage and bone density loss associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing medications like Complera.

According to clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance:

• Patients taking TDF-containing medications like Complera have shown a 1-3% decline in bone mineral density within the first year of treatment
• The risk of kidney adverse events is approximately 20% higher in patients taking TDF-containing regimens compared to alternative treatments
• An estimated 10% of patients experiencing kidney damage from TDF may progress to chronic kidney disease requiring long-term care
• Studies have shown that switching from TDF-containing medications to newer formulations can improve markers of bone and kidney health

Despite these concerns, the FDA has not issued a recall of Complera, instead opting to update labeling to include warnings about potential kidney and bone side effects.

Complera Injuries & Side Effects

Complera contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which has been linked to serious side effects affecting the kidneys and skeletal system, particularly with long-term use.

• Kidney Damage: Kidney toxicity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, and kidney failure (renal failure) requiring dialysis or transplantation
• Bone Disorders: Bone demineralization, loss of bone density, osteopenia (early-stage bone loss), and osteoporosis (severe bone loss increasing fracture risk)
• Fracture Risk: Increased susceptibility to bone fractures, particularly in the spine, hip, and wrist, due to compromised bone integrity
• Lactic Acidosis: A dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream that can lead to organ failure if not treated promptly

Do You Qualify for a Complera Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Complera lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed and took Complera for HIV treatment
• You experienced kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or required dialysis after taking the medication
• You suffered bone density loss, osteoporosis, or bone fractures while on the medication
• Your injuries required medical treatment, hospitalization, or ongoing care
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Complera use

Evidence Required for a Complera Lawsuit

To strengthen your case against the manufacturer, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your Complera prescription history (dosage, duration of use)
• Laboratory test results showing kidney function deterioration or bone density loss
• Documentation of diagnoses related to kidney disease or bone disorders
• Records of hospitalizations or treatments for Complera-related injuries
• Imaging studies showing bone fractures or decreased bone density
• Statements from your healthcare providers about the connection between your injuries and Complera

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Complera-related injuries may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatment of kidney disease, bone disorders, or other related injuries
• Costs of ongoing medical care, including dialysis, kidney transplantation, or bone treatments
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to your injuries
• Pain and suffering associated with your injuries and treatments
• Emotional distress caused by your diagnosis and medical procedures
• Punitive damages in cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious

Complera Recall Information

As of 2024, the FDA has not issued a recall for Complera despite the reported side effects. Instead, the agency has required updated labeling to include warnings about potential kidney and bone risks associated with the medication.

Gilead Sciences continues to market Complera while also promoting newer tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) based medications, which are claimed to have improved safety profiles.

Critics and plaintiffs allege that Gilead delayed the development and release of these safer alternatives to maximize profits from their TDF-based medications like Complera before patent expiration.

This strategy allegedly exposed patients to unnecessary risks that could have been avoided with earlier access to safer formulations.

Statute of Limitations for Complera Lawsuits

The time limit to file a Complera class action lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your injury was related to Complera use. This is known as the “discovery rule” in many jurisdictions.

Some important considerations regarding the statute of limitations:

• In most states, the clock starts ticking when you first learn of both your injury and its potential connection to Complera
• Some states have stricter time limits than others, with some as short as one year
• The statute of limitations for product liability claims may differ from those for personal injury
• Special rules may apply if the injured person is a minor or is mentally incapacitated

Because these timeframes can be complicated and vary significantly between jurisdictions, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after discovering a potential Complera-related injury.

Related Articles:

• Stribild Class Action Lawsuit
• Truvada Lawsuit
• HIV Medication Viread Side Effects Lawsuit

FAQs

1. Who Is Eligible to Join the Complera Lawsuit?

Individuals who have taken Complera and suffered serious side effects such as kidney damage or bone disorders may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Each case is evaluated based on the specific injuries sustained and the timeline of medication use.

2. What Compensation Might be Available Through a Complera Lawsuit?

Compensation available through Complera litigation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and possibly punitive damages. The amount varies based on the severity of injuries, medical costs incurred, and impact on quality of life.

3. How Long Does It Take for a Lawsuit Like the Complera Case to Be Resolved?

It can take several years for pharmaceutical liability cases to be resolved. The duration varies widely due to the complexities involved in litigation, the number of plaintiffs, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

4. Can I File a Class Action Lawsuit for Complera Injuries?

While class actions are possible, our lawyers prefer filing individual lawsuits for Complera cases. This approach allows each plaintiff to pursue compensation based on their specific injuries and circumstances, often resulting in more appropriate settlements than class actions.

5. What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease Related to Complera?

Symptoms of kidney disease may include weight loss, poor appetite, swollen extremities, shortness of breath, fatigue, blood in urine, increased urination (particularly at night), sleep problems, itchy skin, muscle cramps, and nausea. Many people don’t notice symptoms until the condition is advanced.

See all related dangerous drugs lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by Complera. Each state has specific statutes of limitations that restrict the time you have to file a lawsuit after discovering your injury, typically ranging from 1-3 years depending on your location.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential Complera case
• No upfront costs or fees – we only get paid if we win your case
• Experienced pharmaceutical litigation lawyers who understand the complexities of dangerous drug cases
• Individual representation to maximize your potential compensation

Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you’ve been harmed by the side effects of Complera, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References

1. https://www.iapac.org/fact-sheet/complera/