A breakthrough medication in treating rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s Disease, Humira has many benefits, but the side effects can be detrimental. For this reason, the FDA has issued a black box warning and several lawsuits are currently in litigation.
Humira
When Humira was launched in 2003 by Abbott Laboratories, it seemed to be the answer to a prayer when it came to treating rheumatoid arthritis. As the years passed, research proved that the medication could be helpful in treating numerous other conditions, like Proriatc arthritis, plaque psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and most recently, Crohn’s Disease. While the medication seems to be quite helpful, it has been discovered that it causes several severe side effects, that can be especially severe in children. These side effects have led to a need for new studies, FDA warnings and several lawsuits.
Humira is innovative in how it works. It is available in a syringe form as well as a self dosing pen, similar to the epi-pen used by those with severe allergies. Because of the easy dosing, Humira is used by thousands of patients all over the country. However, in 2008 and 2009, it came to light that the side effects of Humira are not just dangerous. They can be detrimental.
Some of the side effects that have caused Humira to garner attention include the following:
- Infection and inflammation
- Tuberculosis
- Viruses
- Permanent nerve damage
- Liver injury
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia in children
Because Humira limits the body’s immune system, it makes it very easy for the patient to contract numerous viruses and diseases. However, the most severe side effect comes from the fact that patients taking the medication are far more prone to contract two different types of cancer including lymphoma and leukemia.
Because of these severe side effects, the FDA released a warning in 2009. This black box warning is the most serious type of warning released by the Food and Drug Administration and it is required that all prescriptions of Humira include the warning that the medication can cause such side effects.
There have been several lawsuits against the makers of Humira due to the permanent nerve damage that it caused. These cases are currently still in litigation. It is unclear of whether or not a class action lawsuit will come into existence, but as more cases begin to form, it is likely that one will.
If you have taken Humira for an arthritic condition or it was prescribed to your child, it is important that you know that you may be entitled to compensation, especially if any of the mentioned side effects took place. Contact John Foy today, at (404) 879-7518 and get the money you deserve.
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