The FDA has issued a caution that Technivie, a medication prescribed for hepatitis C, can lead to severe liver harm in individuals with existing liver conditions.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you had liver failure or required a liver transplant, or someone you know died from liver disease after taking Technivie, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
What is Technivie?
Technivie contains the antiviral medications ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir. These drugs work by preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in the body. Technivie is approved to treat genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C in adults without cirrhosis.
FDA Warning: Technivie May Increase Risk of Liver Damage
On October 22, 2015, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication [1] which stated that Technivie and Viekira Pak (another hepatitis C treatment manufactured by AbbVie) can cause serious liver injury, mostly in patients with underlying advanced liver disease. As a result, the agency required AbbVie to update the drugs’ labeling with a warning about the risk of liver disease.
A review of FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System identified at least 26 cases of liver failure and hepatic decompensation related to Technivie or Viekira Pak between Dec. 2014 and July 2015. Of these, 10 patients experienced liver failure resulting in transplantation or death, and 16 patients experienced various degrees of liver dysfunction. In most cases, liver injury occurred within 1 to 4 weeks of beginning treatment with the medications.
Liver Disease Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Light-colored stools
Effects of Hepatitis C on the Liver
The hepatitis C virus slowly damages the liver over many years, often progressing from inflammation to permanent, irreversible scarring (cirrhosis). In many cases, patients have no symptoms of liver disease or have only mild symptoms for years or even decades until they have cirrhosis. Once you have cirrhosis, treatment focuses on keeping the condition from worsening. It may be possible to stop or slow the damage.
Related Article: Hepatitis (Types, Symptoms, & Treatments)
Technivie Side Effects
In addition to being linked to an increased risk for liver disease, Technivie may cause the following side effects in some users:
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Anemia
- Thinning blood
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Mild itching
- Difficulty sleeping
FDA Recommendation
If you take Technivie and develop any of the above symptoms of liver disease, you should contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Technivie without consulting your physician, as doing so could result in drug resistance to other hepatitis C medications. Healthcare professionals should closely monitor for symptoms of worsening liver disease, such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhage and/or increases in direct bilirubin in the blood.
Has Technivie Been Recalled?
To date, no recall for Vie has been issued in the U.S. However, the drug was only recently approved, and it often takes many years and adverse event reports before an allegedly defective medication is pulled off the market.
Is There a Class Action?
No class action lawsuit has yet been filed in the Technivie litigation. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’ve been injured. Our lawyers are now filing individual lawsuits for people who suffered liver damage after taking Technivie.
Have There Been Any Settlements?
As a result of AbbVie’s failure to provide adequate warnings regarding the risk of liver damage from Viekira Pak, it appears that former users may be entitled to receive a substantial settlement amount for their injuries. However, the litigation remains in the early stages and it will likely take several years before the manufacturer agrees to settle some or all of the cases.
FAQs
What compensation can I receive from a Technivie lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The amount depends on the severity of your side effects and their impact on your life.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for Technivie-related side effects?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the side effects.
Can I still join the lawsuit if I no longer have medical records or prescription proof?
It may still be possible to join the lawsuit. Consult with a lawyer to discuss alternative evidence and documentation that can support your claim.
See the other dangerous drugs lawsuits that we’ve covered.
Do I have a Technivie Lawsuit?
The Pharmaceutical Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Technivie lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new liver disease cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you had liver failure or required a liver transplant, or someone you know died from liver disease after taking Technivie, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.