Viread Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Viread Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits against Gilead Sciences allege that HIV patients suffered from serious kidney and bone toxicity from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), the active ingredient in Viread. Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer withheld a safer alternative product with patent protection to maximize profits. Numerous cases report kidney disease, bone density loss, and fractures linked to TDF medications, with FDA reports documenting these serious side effects.

Latest Viread Lawsuit Updates

October 19, 2024 – According to the Lawsuit Information Center, individuals prescribed Viread may be entitled to compensation for bone and kidney injuries allegedly linked to the drug’s formulation and the manufacturer’s delayed release of a safer alternative [1].

June 11, 2024 – POZ reports that Gilead has agreed to a $40 million settlement following allegations that it delayed safer drug development, putting patients on TDF-based medications like Viread at risk for kidney and bone complications.

NIH Reports and Statistics

According to the National Institute of Health, Office of AIDS Research from 2019, Viread (generic: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate TDF) is marketed as a less toxic HIV medication that works by preventing enzymes needed for virus reproduction [2].

Clinical studies comparing TAF and TDF showed that at 96 weeks:

• TAF demonstrated superior virologic suppression (93% vs 89%, P = .017)
• Mean bone mineral density of hip and spine increased in the TAF group but remained stable or decreased in the TDF group (P < .001)
• TAF group showed significant improvements in proteinuria or albumin to creatinine ratios (P < .001)
• Patients with spine or hip osteopenia or osteoporosis had a higher rate of recovery in the TAF group
  

  The increased rate of bone and kidney adverse effects associated with TDF was attributed to its use in combination with a PK booster. – National Institute of Health.

Viread Injuries & Side Effects

Viread and other TDF medications have been linked to serious kidney and bone-related complications, particularly due to the high doses required for effectiveness.

• Kidney Injuries: Kidney damage, toxicity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal failure
• Bone Damage: Bone density issues, bone demineralization, bone loss, and fractures
• Osteoporosis: Progressive bone weakness leading to increased fracture risk
• Osteopenia: Reduced bone mass that can progress to osteoporosis

Do You Qualify for a Viread Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Viread lawsuit if:

• You took Viread or another TDF medication for HIV treatment
• You experienced serious side effects including kidney damage or bone density issues
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the medication

Evidence Required for a Viread Lawsuit

To file a successful Viread lawsuit, you will need:

• Medical records showing your HIV diagnosis and treatment with Viread/TDF medications
• Documentation of kidney or bone injuries following TDF use
• Medical opinions linking your injuries to TDF exposure
• Timeline of medication use and symptom development

Damages You Can Recover

Potential compensation in a Viread lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses for treating kidney or bone injuries
• Lost wages from missed work
• Pain and suffering resulting from injuries
• Punitive damages against Gilead Sciences

About TDF Drugs

Viread belongs to a group of highly toxic chemical pharmaceuticals 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.

TDF was developed and patented by Gilead Sciences Inc. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TDF for use in the treatment of HIV infection. Viread cannot cure HIV/AIDS but prevents the virus from multiplying when used in combination with other drugs.

In addition to Viread, other HIV drugs containing TDF that may cause similar side effects include:

• Atripla
• Stribild
• Truvada
• Complera

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease that may indicate Viread-related kidney damage include:

• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Blood in urine
• Increased urination, particularly at night
• Insomnia
• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Statute of Limitations for Viread Lawsuits

Time limits for filing a Viread lawsuit vary by state. Generally, the statute of limitations begins from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered that your injuries were linked to Viread use. Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.

FAQs

1. What is the current status of Viread lawsuits?

There are individual lawsuits being filed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation that have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). Each case remains separate and gets individually evaluated. Settlement talks will likely begin after a few bellwether trials are completed.

2. Who can file a lawsuit related to Viread?

Individuals who have experienced severe side effects such as kidney damage or bone density loss after taking Viread can file a lawsuit. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation can help determine eligibility.

3. What evidence is needed for a Viread lawsuit?

You’ll need medical records documenting your HIV diagnosis, Viread prescription history, and subsequent kidney or bone injuries, along with expert testimony linking the medication to your health issues.

4. Have there been any settlements in Viread lawsuits?

Settlement talks will begin after a few of the Viread cases go to trial. The results of these first “bellwether trials” will give both sides a starting point for negotiations. If juries find Gilead liable and impose large punitive damages, Gilead may agree to settlements.

5. What role do expert witnesses play in a Viread lawsuit?

Expert witnesses provide testimony linking the drug to health issues, explaining the medical and scientific basis for the claims. Their expertise strengthens the case and helps establish the manufacturer’s liability.

6. What compensation might I receive from a Viread lawsuit?

Potential compensation includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages against the manufacturer.

7. How long do I have to file a Viread lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations vary by state but typically range from 1-3 years from when you discovered your injury was related to Viread use.

8. What should I do if I suspect Viread caused my health issues?

If you suspect Viread caused your health issues, consult with your healthcare provider, gather medical records, document your symptoms, and consult with a lawyer to evaluate your case.

9. Is there a class action lawsuit for Viread?

There is not a class action, but rather individual lawsuits consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which allows for more efficient processing while maintaining the integrity of each case.

10. Which companies are named in Viread lawsuits?

Gilead Sciences, Inc., the manufacturer of Viread and other TDF medications, is the primary defendant in these lawsuits.

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 Viread-related injuries. Many states impose strict statutes of limitations that may bar your claim if not filed promptly. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.

Our firm offers:

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

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our experienced pharmaceutical litigation team today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Viread Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Viread lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new personal injury cases caused by TDF medications in all 50 states.

Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you suffered a bone fracture/break, or had any kidney problems after taking existing TDF drugs or other medications used to treat HIV, 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.lawsuit-information-center.com/truvada-lawsuit.html 

[2] https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/drugs/tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate/patient