ACTEMRA’S FATAL RISK – WHAT THEY KNEW, WHEN THEY KNEW IT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 1.3 million Americans causing them terrible pain and stiffness in their joints. RA is also associated with chronic fatigue, depression and respiratory issues. While Actemra has been given to RA patients as a miracle drug after other medications have failed, researchers are now reporting that long term use could be fatal.

WHAT THEY KNEW

Actemra hit the market in 2010 and many in the medical field were excited because it seemed to address RA problems when other medications didn’t work. Additionally, it supposedly didn’t have the same issues relating to heart attacks, heart failure, or lung problems linked to other RA medications on the market. However, after investigating 500,000 side-effect reports on RA drugs, a STAT News investigation found that these risks are just as high or even higher with Actemra when compared to other RA drugs. After reviewing more than 500,000 side effect reports for RA drugs, STAT News “found clear evidence” that the risks of severe adverse effects, such as heart attack or stroke, “were as high or higher for Actemra patients than for patients taking some competing drugs.” And yet there is no warning on Actemra but there are warnings on other comparable RA medications.

WHEN THEY KNEW IT

Over 1,100 deaths have been associated with Actemra since it was put on the market in January 2010, and yet there is still  no warning on the label to inform doctors, pharmacists or patients of the fatal risks that this drug presents. Worse yet, since this medication doesn’t list the same warnings, it’s misleading patients to believe that it could be safer than other RA medications while in fact, it still poses the same or greater risks. This deceit allowed Roche-Genentech, the makers of Actemra, to garner $1.7 billion in global sales last year alone.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you had a loved one who took Actemra and passed away due to complications, you could be able to receive compensation for your loss. You may be struggling to pay for medical bills and funeral costs and you’ve undoubtedly endured immeasurable suffering. Roche-Genentech continues to deliberately misrepresent the safety of Actemra at the lives of countless RA patients. Contact us today to see if we are able to help you file a claim.

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