February 2, 2024 / Personal Injury

Valsartan Lawsuit

Valsartan Lawsuit

Heart disease is a major health issue in the United States. To manage this, many rely on blood pressure medications. Valsartan, also known as Diovan, is one of these medicines. It’s meant to help with high blood pressure and heart failure. Unfortunately, sometimes, this medication does more harm than good for those dealing with hypertension and heart failure. 

Certain batches of valsartan were tainted with a substance linked to cancer. This contamination has led to serious implications for users, sparking a lawsuit.

A Remedy with Unforeseen Risks

Valsartan, known by its brand name Diovan, is a medication prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a group of drugs called ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers). ARBs work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. Doctors often choose valsartan due to its minimal side effects compared to other medications.

However, this seemingly safer choice has led to devastating consequences. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a July 13, 2018 press release, announced a recall of some valsartan products. 

The discovery of NDMA (n-nitrosodimethylamine) in Valsartan pills produced in China has created cause for concern. NDMA is a probable human carcinogen, meaning it could potentially cause cancer. This contamination posed a new risk, turning a solution for one major health issue into a contributor to another. Thus, paradoxically, a drug intended to improve health became a source of serious health concerns.

People who took valsartan and then developed cancer or other health problems have filed lawsuits. These lawsuits are asking for compensation to cover the harm caused.

 The lawsuits point out several major problems, including the following:

  • Failure to Warn: The drug makers didn’t tell users about the risks, which could lead to injury or even death. Users did not have all the information needed to give consent.
  • Manufacturing Defect: There was a mistake in making valsartan that led to NDMA contamination.
  • Inadequate Labeling and Warnings: The labels on the drug didn’t properly warn users about dangerous side effects.

Thousands of these lawsuits are now filed against Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals and others. Due to the number of cases and wronged individuals, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) has begun. The victims accuse the defendants of being careless, not warning users, making unsafe products, lying, not keeping promises, and other wrongdoings.

Individuals affected by contaminated valsartan face not just health risks but also significant life disruptions. Primary among these is the increased likelihood of developing cancer and other serious conditions. The impact of these health issues extends to various life aspects, from physical well-being to financial stability.

For those harmed by valsartan, the legal system offers a means to seek compensation. 

Those harmed by valsartan may be able to recover the following damages:

  • Medical Treatment Costs: Money for doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments for conditions caused by Valsartan
  • Long-Term Care: Covering expenses for ongoing nursing or specialized care
  • Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the income lost while unable to work
  • Decreased Future Earning Capacity: If your ability to earn in the future is affected
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any additional costs incurred due to the condition
  • Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional distress experienced
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your life quality has diminished due to health issues
  • Mental Anguish: For emotional trauma and mental health impacts
  • Disfigurement: If the condition leads to physical changes that affect your appearance
  • Diminished Quality of Life: Covering overall life quality reductions
  • Permanent Impairment: If you’re left with long-term disabilities

In cases of a death caused by Valsartan, wrongful death compensation can support the deceased’s family, acknowledging both financial and emotional losses.

A Galveston Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Navigate a Valsartan Lawsuit 

Valsartan can have negative consequences that alter the course of your life. If you’re facing health issues from valsartan, we encourage you to seek medical attention and consult a Galveston personal injury attorney. Doing so can help you start your journey toward justice and recovery. 

Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 992-8633.

The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550

The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546