Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was developed by the pharmaceutical company Gilead as an HIV treatment and prevention drug. Although effective in improving the overall quality of life of HIV-positive patients, TDF has been linked to bone loss and kidney problems as a result of use.
TDF was branded as Truvada, Viread, Stribild, Atripla, and other names. These drugs required a large dosage in order to be effective, contributing to side effects such as osteoporosis, bone fractures, and kidney failure.
Gilead was aware of their drug’s harmful side effects since 2001. There is evidence to support the company negligently failed to pull the drug in pursuit of profit, and withheld the release of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), an alternative HIV drug without the side effects of TDF.
As the patent holder of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Gilead was gaining significant profits from the distribution of the drug. While TDF was being marketed as a safe and effective HIV drug, Gilead was producing TAF, another form of HIV treatment that did not have the same side effects. By keeping the development of TAF a secret, Gilead was able to maximally capitalize off of its TDF patent. HIV-positive and at-risk individuals were continually prescribed TDF, unaware of its effects, while Gilead profited and hid the less-toxic (and more effective) alternative from the public. Gilead’s greed and negligence unnecessarily subjected patients to the hazards of TDF for many years. These findings have made Gilead the subject of legal action across the country.
If you or someone you know was prescribed Truvada or another TDF drug to treat or prevent HIV, and suffered from bone loss or kidney issues as a result of use, contact Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC to discover your options. Call (502) 242-8877 or submit your information online to schedule a free consultation.