By Jacob Galperin|Reading Time: 2 minutesWhat is Truvada? Truvada is used to help treat or prevent human immunodeficiency virus, more commonly known as HIV and hepatitis B virus infection. Truvada is manufactured by Gilead and works by blocking certain pathways that the viruses use to establish infection, preventing the virus from spreading. While Truvada is not a true cure for HIV, it helps prevent the virus from developing into AIDS and can help keep someone from becoming infected when they are intimate with someone who is HIV positive. Side effects of Truvada include upset stomach headache, vomiting, loss of appetite. More recent studies, however, have revealed that the use of Truvada is correlated with more serious side effects such as kidney failure, osteoporosis, and decreased bone density that has, in some cases, resulted in broken bones. Similar to birth control, Truvada is intended for prolonged, daily use. This prolonged use has led users to extensive exposure to the negative side effects of the drug, resulting in a more significant and substantial damage. The results of these more recent studies have cast suspicion on whether Gilead had knowledge of the true dangers of Truvada, resulting in a series of lawsuits. The Truvada Lawsuits The lawsuits have alleged that Gilead had knowledge of the injuries Truvada causes and failed to notify doctors and Truvada patients of the dangers. Furthermore, the lawsuits allege that Gilead had developed new, safer medications, but despite knowing about the injuries, chose to delay the release of the new medications in order to maximize profits from Truvada’s patent. The delay in releasing the new medication has allegedly caused tens of thousands of severe injuries. Currently, an MDL has been formed in California and proceeding with the litigation of these claims. If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious bone or kidney injury after taking Truvada, it is important to contact a product liability or personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation to help you cover the expenses of your injury.
Learn More By Jacob Galperin|Reading Time: 1 minuteIf you have followed the news at all in the last year, it’s likely you’ve seen the weed killer Roundup in the headlines. Since March 2018, juries have awarded billions of dollars to plaintiffs claiming that extensive use of Roundup caused their cancer. One specific case, brought by a couple in California, resulted in a combined punitive damages award of $2 billion in addition to the $55 million combined compensatory reward. This award may sound somewhat surprising considering that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reported it found that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not carcinogenic when used in accordance with the label. However, there are conflicting studies on the subject. Most notably, in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer found glyphosate to be “probably carcinogenic.” Despite the apparent conflictions, three juries have found that the plaintiffs provided sufficient evidence to show that Roundup manufacturer Monsanto is liable for their cancer; over 13,000 similar lawsuits have been filed; and the country of Austria has recently passed a bill banning the use of glyphosate. Although Monsanto stands behind its statements that glyphosates are not dangerous, public court documents suggest that Monsanto made attempts to stop investigation into the ingredient and to publish scientific studies, through third parties, that confirmed glyphosate’s safety. Cancer patients with an extensive history of Roundup usage or exposure may be entitled to compensation to cover the resulting medical expenses. If you are currently, or have been, a cancer patient and believe your cancer was caused by Roundup, you should contact an attorney for professional legal advice.
Learn More By Jacob Galperin|Reading Time: 1 minuteCalifornia will be bringing a consumer protection lawsuit, on behalf of the state, against Johnson & Johnson over its marketing of surgical mesh devices. Under California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising laws, Johnson & Johnson could face a penalty of a maximum of $5,000 for every misrepresentation the court finds Johnson & Johnson has made. California is alleging that Johnson & Johnson made 192,016 misrepresentations regarding the effectiveness and risks of its pelvic mesh devices, which could result damages of as much as $960 million. Thousands of women have already brought products liability suits against Johnson & Johnson claiming that they were injured by the mesh products, but California’s lawsuit will be the first state-brought, unfair business practice claim against Johnson & Johnson to go to trial. California alleges that Johnson & Johnson knew the risks of its devices and deliberately disseminated information – through brochures, advertisements, and even doctors – that hid the risks of the mesh devices. Johnson & Johnson’s position is that it properly disclosed the risks associated with the mesh products. Johnson & Johnson claims the statements on its brochures and advertisements are accurate, and even if they weren’t, the false statements would not fool a reasonable physician. The results of this case could have a long-lasting impact on Johnson & Johnsons’ future litigation regarding its mesh devices. If California prevails, it could pave the way for other state and private unfair business practice claims. A decisive win by Johnson & Johnson, however, could discourage further litigation over the marketing practices of the mesh devices.
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