Truvada is a drug that is used for two purposes. Firstly, it is taken to aid in controlling HIV infections. Truvada is not a cure for AIDS or HIV but it is taken to treat symptoms of the illness like preventing cancers or other infections. It is intended to help improve and manage the quality of the patient’s life.
The other reason why Truvada is used is for those individuals who do not have HIV but have a high risk of getting HIV. Approved for this usage on 6th July 2002, it is intended for people who are infected with an STD, have unprotected intercourse, abuse or use alcohol and drugs, or in case their partners have HIV.
Truvada is usually taken with other medications for HIV, otherwise, it is less effective than intended. The drug contains two distinct HIV medications – tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine. Both of these medications are a part of a group of HIV drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
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Why are Truvada Lawsuits Filed?
Truvada is manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc. but has gained attention for its severe side effects. This is why Truvada lawsuits have been filed. According to Truvada lawsuits, Gilead Sciences did not reveal about the severe side effects as well as did not release a newer, safer alternative in a bid to make profits.
Gilead Sciences did not release the safer HIV drug called TAF, in order to boost sales of the TDF HIV drugs. TAF or tenofovir alafenamide is known as a safer drug because of smaller concentration of the tenofovir, a primary ingredient, in the blood. So, it does not accumulate in the kidneys and blood like Truvada does.
Despite knowing that TAF is a safer alternative, the drug was not released by Gilead Sciences until recent years. This negligence has put several people at risk. According to critics, the manufacturer intentionally withheld the safer alternative for monetary purposes.
Side Effects of Truvada
If you, a friend, or family member has suffered from any kind of bone or kidney side effect, you must contact a Truvada lawyer and your doctor immediately.
Bone Side Effects
- Fractures
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Related orthopedic injuries
- Osteomalacia
Kidney Side Effects
- Chronic kidney injuries
- Acute kidney injuries
- Kidney failure
- Renal failure
- Related nephritic injuries
Kidney failure or chronic kidney disease happens when a person’s kidneys slowly begin to lose function. You might now be aware that the kidneys are starting to fail in the early stages. Some symptoms of kidney failure are –
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness and fatigue
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Changes in your urination pattern
- Swelling of ankles and feet
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent itchiness
In case you have suffered from more than one of the above-mentioned symptoms after taking the drug, you should contact the doctor immediately. Kidney failure and decreasing bone density are highly frightening potential side effects of Truvada, the HIV drug. Learn more about the basic human rights foundation and its duties, on this website: www.health-disease.org