Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a painful condition that affects the quality of life of some 1.5 million Americans. The Arthritis Foundation says that women most often begin feeling the effects of the disease when they are between 30 and 60 years of age, while men tend to suffer from it later in life.
RA is an autoimmune disease which attacks joints, creating inflammation. This inflammation causes the tissue that lubricates and cushions joints to thicken and swell, often creating severe joint pain. It is no wonder that those who suffer from RA are always in search of some relief from the disease. Many have turned to a popular rheumatoid arthritis drug called Actemra®.
What is Actemra?
Actemra is a drug doctors prescribe for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Because it suppresses the immune system, it can have some severe side effects, like infections, that users should be aware of. Now, however, the drug has been linked to even more serious issues like heart failure, pancreatitis, lung disease, gastrointestinal perforations, and strokes.
There are a growing number of lawsuits being prepared and filed across the country against the maker of Actemra, Roche Pharmaceutical. Roche is an extremely large drug company based in Switzerland, employing some 80,000 people worldwide. In an Investor Update, published on its website in 2008, the company dismissed upper respiratory lung infections as “non-serious.” They addressed liver issues by stating, “Increases in liver transaminases (ALT and AST) were seen in some patients; these increases were generally mild and reversible, with no hepatic injuries or any observed impact on liver function.”
There is growing evidence that neither of these claims may be quite accurate. Yet, the company is apparently satisfied in not warning patients or providing doctors with updated or sufficient instructions on who should be prescribed the drug.
What You Should Do
Pancreatitis, heart failure, lung disease, strokes, and gastrointestinal perforations are life-threatening conditions that can tragically affect your family. If you feel you or a loved one has been adversely affected by taking Actemra, we strongly suggest you get legal representation immediately. We encourage you to contact the product liability team at the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant, a Texas-based law firm with the knowledge and resources necessary to fight for compensation for those harmed by dangerous drugs.
We believe responsible parties should be held accountable and are not afraid to take on large corporations. We work hard to recover funds related to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death. If you’ve been impacted by the negligence or untruthful claims of a drug company, it is time to fight back, and we will be there to stand by your side.
If You Don’t Win, We Don’t Get Paid
At the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant, we understand many families won’t take action because they may not feel they have a case or can’t afford to take on a large drug company. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation, initial consultation. In this consultation, we can discuss your situation and your potential case.
Should we agree to move forward with your case, we provide our No Fee Guarantee®. This guarantee assures you that you pay us nothing unless you get paid. We agree to represent you and take on the financial obligations to move forward at no risk to you. Contact us today at 1-800-444-500 and get the legal representation you deserve.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
