Actemra Lawyers
Defective Drug Lawyers Helping People Throughout North and South Carolina
Prescription medications are supposed to help, rather than hurt, the people to whom they are prescribed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. As “Big Pharma” continues to grow, even going so far as to engage in direct-to-consumer advertising to further increase revenue, more and more potentially dangerous drugs are being approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and released into the marketplace. The drug Actemra (also known as “tocilizumab”) has recently gained attention as a drug that may cause more problems than it solves for some patients. At Grimes Teich Anderson, LLP, our North Carolina and South Carolina Actemra lawyers help consumers seek fair compensation for injuries caused by this drug. We also can bring claims for injuries caused by other dangerous drugs, such as Pradaxa, Lipitor, and others.
Actemra received FDA approval in 2010, primarily for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. As an immunosuppressive drug, Actemra can increase the chance of a patient developing a serious, potentially life-threatening infection. This is especially true in patients who have other health conditions like diabetes or HIV. It is also known to have several potential side effects, including not only relatively minor problems such as cough or muscle aches but also very serious complications like a perforation or hole in the stomach wall and an increased risk of cancer.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries or Death Caused by Actemra
While the makers of Actemra have warned consumers of some of the potential side effects of the drug, allegations have recently been made to the effect that there may be other, previously non-disclosed problems for people who take the drug. Thousands of side-effect reports have allegedly been made to the FDA, including over 1,000 cases in which a patient taking Actemra died. Anyone who has taken Actemra is urged to speak to an Actemra attorney in North Carolina or South Carolina if they have experienced serious side effects, particularly heart attack, stroke, or lung disease. People who have lost a loved one who took Actemra are also advised to seek counsel as soon as possible.
Plaintiffs who are able to prove that they or their loved ones suffered physical harm or death due to Actemra or another drug (like Zofran or Yasmin) may be entitled to substantial money damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses via a product liability lawsuit. However, it is important to note that these claims are subject to a statute of limitations and a statute of repose, both of which limit the time for filing a claim for compensation. Thus, it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you or a loved one may have been harmed by Actemra.
Speak to an Experienced North Carolina or South Carolina Actemra Attorney
There may be multiple legal theories (failure to warn, strict liability, negligence, etc.) and potentially several different defendants in a product liability lawsuit arising from a dangerous drug or other product. The plaintiff has the burden of proof in such cases and must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence. Expert testimony often factors heavily into such cases, with both the plaintiff and the defendant (or its insurance company) presenting evidence regarding the safety of the drug in question. The litigation can be complicated and fiercely contested.
While not every law firm is up to the task of handling such cases, Grimes Teich Anderson, LLP has successfully handled many product liability claims in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Our knowledgeable Actemra lawyers serve people in communities such as Asheville, Franklin, Rutherfordton, Waynesville, Spruce Pine, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Gaffney. Call 800-533-6845 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. We accept most of our personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee contract, under which fees are not collected until the case is successfully concluded.