Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit | Latest Updates

Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits recently filed charge Gilead Sciences, the maker of Complera (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/TDF), with bringing a defective HIV drug to market. Plaintiffs allege Gilead unnecessarily exposed the public to serious side effects when safer HIV drug alternatives were available. 

The lawsuits claim Gilead knew their HIV medications had to be given in high doses to be effective, which could damage kidneys and bones, yet failed to adequately warn patients or doctors about these risks.

Latest Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit Updates

September 2023 – U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar greenlighted a strict product liability lawsuit filed by patients who suffered bone loss, accusing Gilead Sciences of negligence and product liability surrounding its TDF-containing HIV medicines.

The judge cleared various claims including design defect and negligence, but narrowed the case by dismissing allegations that Gilead hid knowledge that the medicines were unreasonably and unnecessarily unsafe [1].

May 2018 – AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) helped file a lawsuit on behalf of Devin Martinez, Ricardo Wohler, and others who purchased Complera and other TDF drugs in May 2018. This California lawsuit is separate from individual injury lawsuits but deals with similar issues [2].

Related Article: Differences Between Intentional & Unintentional Torts

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to lawsuit information, the FDA reprimanded Gilead in 2002 and 2003 for claiming the drug had no toxicities and would not cause bone or kidney damage, but the company allegedly continued to downplay the risks.

Complera Injuries & Side Effects

Complera can cause serious, life-threatening side effects as reported by patients and acknowledged by Debra Birnkrant, M.D., Director of the Division of Antiviral Products.

• Bone Injuries: Bone demineralization, loss of bone density, bone thinning, bone fractures, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
• Kidney Problems: Declining kidney function, kidney injuries, kidney damage, kidney toxicity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure (renal failure), and Fanconi syndrome.
• Other Side Effects: Abdominal pain, lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), severe skin rash, allergic reactions, liver problems, depression, mood changes, and suicidal thoughts [3].

Complera can cause serious, life-threatening side effects. These include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), severe skin rash and allergic reactions, liver problems, depression or mood changes, and new or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure – said Debra Birnkrant, M.D., Director of the Division of Antiviral Products.

In addition to Complera, other TDF medications that may cause the above side effects include:

• Atripla
• Stribild
• Truvada
• Viread

Do You Qualify for a Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Complera lawsuit if:

• You used Complera or another TDF-containing HIV medication
• You experienced serious side effects including bone loss, kidney problems, or lactic acidosis
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Complera

Evidence Required for a Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a Complera lawsuit, you’ll need:

• Medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment
• Proof that you were prescribed and took Complera
• Medical records linking your injuries to Complera use

Damages You Can Recover

By filing a Complera lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other damages related to your injuries

Statute of Limitations for Complera HIV Medication Lawsuits

Time limits for filing a Complera lawsuit vary by state. These statutes of limitations typically begin from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injury was related to Complera use. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe in your state.

Read More: Complera Class Action Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. What is Complera, and why is it being sued?

Complera is a combination HIV medication that contains 3 active ingredients: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine and rilpivirine. It is prescribed for treating HIV in adults diagnosed with HIV infection and children over the age of 12 who meet certain medical requirements. It is being sued because it has been linked to severe health issues, including bone density loss and kidney damage. Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn about these risks.

2. What specific health issues have been associated with Complera?

Specific health issues associated with Complera include bone density loss, kidney damage, and potential long-term effects on overall bone health. Some lawsuits allege that these adverse effects are a result of inadequate warnings provided by the manufacturer.

3. What are Complera lawsuits alleging against Gilead Sciences?

Complera lawsuits allege that TDF is a defective design, and Gilead negligently created it. Plaintiffs must show that Gilead was aware of kidney injuries linked to Complera and that Complera caused the plaintiff’s kidney injuries and/or bone mineral density problems. Many patients claim they would not have taken Complera had Gilead informed them about the risks.

4. Did Gilead withhold a safer alternative to TDF?

Plaintiffs allege that Gilead developed tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), which was less toxic than Complera and other TDF drugs. However, they claim Gilead kept this safer alternative off the market to maximize profits from TDF, only introducing TAF versions when TDF was about to lose patent protection from generic alternatives.

5. Which other HIV medications have been linked to kidney failure?

In addition to Complera, other TDF medications that may cause similar side effects include Atripla, Stribild, Truvada, and Viread.

6. Is there a class action lawsuit for Complera?

There are ongoing class actions related to Complera. However, the law offices of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, are only filing individual claims for their clients, as they believe class actions typically render many plaintiffs powerless over their cases.

7. How do I know if I have a valid Complera lawsuit?

Only a qualified attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Gilead Sciences. Most cases involving pharmaceuticals allege that a drug was sold with design, manufacturing, and/or marketing defects, which typically refers to a company’s failure to warn of certain side effects.

Get a Free Complera HIV Medication Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding injuries from Complera. If you or a loved one has suffered from kidney damage, bone loss, or other serious side effects after taking Complera, contact our legal team immediately for a free case evaluation.

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.courthousenews.com/gilead-must-stand-trial-over-defective-hiv-drug-claim
2. https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gilead-hiv-drug-lawsuit-20180509-story.html
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-156710/complera-oral/details