November 29, 2019 - Perhaps you have taken the gout drug Uloric, manufactured by Takeda, and have suffered adverse health issues as a result. Uloric treats gout by lowering blood uric acid levels in patients. Gout is a form of arthritis sometimes seen in adults—it is estimated that 8.3 million Americans currently suffer from gout, which can cause severe pain and inflammation in joints. The pain occurs when needle-like crystals form in the joints as the uric acid builds up. Uloric is meant to decrease the levels of uric acid in the body, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain. Uloric was one of the highest-prescribed drugs in 2015, bringing Takeda $1.9 billion in Uloric sales between 2012 and 2017.
Uloric was approved by the FDA in 2009, with the caveat that Takeda would engage in a post-market study—which the pharmaceutical company did. The CARES study followed about 6,200 patients taking the drug. While the FDA already had some concerns about cardiovascular safety of Uloric, the study proved those concerns, concluding that not only were those taking Uloric more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event or die from a cardiovascular event, but were also more likely to die from all causes.
Additional Side Effects of Uloric - Many believe there should be a recall of the drug, which would stop Uloric prescriptions, removing the drug from the market. Although the FDA has required a Black Box Warning be placed on Uloric packaging, there is no recall planned at this time. There are a number of adverse symptoms users of Uloric have experienced, including:
- Cardiac death;
- Liver failure;
- Heart attack;
- Kidney failure;
- Inadequate blood supply to the heart;
- Non-fatal stroke;
- Non-fatal heart attack;
- Sudden, severe headache;
- Difficulty speaking;
- Chest pain;
- Dizziness;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Rapid heartbeat;
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body;
- Shortness of breath;
- Abnormalities in liver enzymes;
- Extremity numbness, and
- Myocardial infarction.
How a Uloric Lawyer Can Help - If you have suffered serious injury as a result of taking Uloric, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Uloric lawyer regarding preservation of your potential Uloric lawsuit. Because there are statutes of limitations in place which limit the time in which you have to file a Uloric lawsuit, it is also essential that your lawsuit be filed in a timely manner. An experienced Uloric lawyer can gather all necessary evidence regarding your Uloric lawsuit, ensure your claim is properly preserved and that you meet all required time deadlines.
Gout patients who have used Uloric could find it beneficial to speak to a Uloric lawyer about the possibility of filing a Uloric lawsuit, suing the drug manufacturer for knowingly selling a dangerous drug which can potentially cause serious injury and even death. A Uloric lawsuit could help pay medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with Uloric injuries. Contact a Uloric lawyer today to have your questions answered regarding a Uloric lawsuit.