Companies that manufacture medications are required to thoroughly test their product to help reduce the risk of serious drug injuries. But sometimes, dangerous drugs are released to patients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued warnings about the serious risks related to two different Hepatitis C drugs. Officials linked used of the medications to serious liver damage in some patients.
Viekira Pak and Technivie were both approved to treat the symptoms of the viral disease in Dec. 2014. Since that time, the FDA has received 26 reports of patients suffering serious liver damage. The Washington Post reports some patients died as the result of their injuries, while others had to undergo corrective treatments and procedures—including liver transplants.
The FDA is encouraging users to be on the lookout for signs of liver damage, such as loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Patients are also being urged to continue using the medications unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
If you’ve been harmed as the result of taking either Viekira Pak or Technivie, it’s important to know you may have a drug injury lawsuit. Learn more about the options and resources available to drug injury victims by visiting our website.