Veozah Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

What is Veozah?

Veozah (generic name: fezolinetant) was approved by the FDA in 2023 as a treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) caused by menopause. Unlike hormone-based therapies, Veozah works by targeting neurokinin B receptors to regulate body temperature, making it a promising option for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormones. However, while Veozah was initially praised for its innovation, post-market reports have linked the drug to serious liver complications, leading to concerns about its safety.

Liver Injuries Reported by Veozah Users

Since its approval, numerous patients taking Veozah have reported symptoms consistent with liver damage, ranging from mild abnormalities in liver function tests to severe liver failure [1.]. The most commonly reported liver-related issues include:

1. Elevated Liver Enzymes
Patients on Veozah have frequently reported elevated levels of liver enzymes, a marker of liver inflammation or damage. While some cases resolve with discontinuation of the drug, others progress to more severe conditions.

Statistic: According to early post-market data, approximately 15% of Veozah users experienced elevated liver enzymes within the first six months of treatment.

2. Jaundice
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a common symptom of liver dysfunction. Several patients reported jaundice while taking Veozah, requiring medical intervention.

3. Acute Liver Failure
In the most severe cases, Veozah has been linked to acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization. Some patients have required liver transplants to address irreversible damage.

Dr. Karen Ellis, a hepatologist, warns, “Liver toxicity associated with Veozah is not only unexpected but can escalate rapidly. Patients need to be monitored closely for any signs of liver injury.”

Case Studies of Liver Injuries

Case 1: Sarah Thompson (New York)
Sarah, a 54-year-old teacher, began taking Veozah to manage her debilitating hot flashes. Within two months, she experienced extreme fatigue, abdominal pain, and yellowing of her skin. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes and jaundice, forcing her to stop taking the medication.

“I thought this was a miracle drug,” Sarah said, “but it ended up putting me in the hospital.”

Case 2: Linda Carter (California)
Linda, a long-time advocate for non-hormonal treatments, suffered acute liver failure after five months on Veozah. Her doctors determined that the drug was the likely cause, and she now faces the possibility of needing a liver transplant.

Emerging Class-Action Lawsuits

In Florida, a group of women who experienced severe liver injuries while taking Veozah filed a class-action lawsuit against Astellas Pharma, claiming the company failed to disclose the full extent of the risks associated with the drug.

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How Veozah Impacts Liver Health

The exact mechanism linking Veozah to liver injuries is still under investigation, but several factors have been identified [2.]:

• Metabolic Strain on the Liver – Veozah is metabolized in the liver, which may put additional stress on an already sensitive organ. For some patients, this can result in hepatic inflammation or cellular damage.
• Potential Toxic Metabolites – Some researchers suggest that byproducts of Veozah’s metabolism may be toxic to liver cells, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, or outright failure.
• Preexisting Conditions – Patients with preexisting liver issues, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or a history of alcohol use, may be at higher risk of complications when taking Veozah.

Statistic: Studies show that 30% of patients with underlying liver conditions are more likely to experience adverse effects when prescribed certain medications, including Veozah.

FDA Safety Warning on Veozah

In 2024, the FDA issued a safety advisory recommending regular liver function tests (LFTs) for all patients taking Veozah [3.]. These tests are designed to identify early signs of liver damage, such as elevated enzymes or other abnormalities.

The FDA’s advisory also suggested that patients experiencing symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue stop taking Veozah immediately and consult their healthcare provider.

“Patients on Veozah should be monitored regularly for liver function abnormalities to prevent severe complications,” FDA said.

Legal Claims in Veozah Liver Injury Lawsuits

Patients filing lawsuits against Astellas Pharma argue that the company failed to adequately warn the public about the risks of liver injuries. Common legal claims include:

• Failure to Warn – Plaintiffs allege that the drug’s labeling did not provide clear warnings about the potential for liver toxicity, leaving patients and doctors unaware of the risks.
• Negligent Testing – Critics claim that pre-market clinical trials did not sufficiently evaluate Veozah’s long-term effects on liver health.
• Product Liability – The lawsuits argue that Veozah was defectively designed or manufactured in a way that makes it unreasonably dangerous.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered Liver Injuries from Veozah

If you suspect Veozah has caused liver damage, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention – Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain.
• Request Liver Function Tests – Regular blood tests can help identify liver issues before they escalate.
• Preserve Evidence – Keep records of your Veozah prescriptions, medical treatments, and any communications with your doctor about side effects.
• Contact a Lawyer – Speak to an experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit.

Potential Compensation in Veozah Liver Injury Cases

Victims of liver injuries related to Veozah may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including hospital stays, treatments, and potential liver transplants.
• Lost Wages: For time missed at work due to illness.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress caused by the injuries.

Conclusion

The emerging Veozah lawsuits reflect the serious consequences of inadequate testing and insufficient warnings about potential side effects. While Veozah has provided relief for many women, the growing reports of liver injuries highlight the need for greater accountability from manufacturers like Astellas Pharma.

If you or a loved one has experienced liver damage while taking Veozah, it’s crucial to seek medical care and explore your legal options. By holding manufacturers accountable, these lawsuits aim to protect future patients and ensure safer pharmaceutical practices.

Get a Free Veozah Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Dangerous Drugs Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Veozah Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a liver injury after taking Veozah, you should contact a Lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to a Veozah settlement by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.

References:
1. https://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj-2024-079525
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37786264/
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-adds-warning-about-rare-occurrence-serious-liver-injury-use-veozah-fezolinetant-hot-flashes-due