Hypophosphatemia Lawsuit

Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate in the blood) is a side effect of Injectafer® iron injections that can cause seizures, coma, heart failure, or death.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hypophosphatemia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with low phosphate from Injectafer® iron injections, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is the Problem?

The iron injection drug Injectafer® (generic name: ferric carboxymaltose) is used to treat adults with iron-deficiency anemia. Unfortunately, it has been linked to severe hypophosphatemia (HPP) – a life-threatening side effect involving dangerously low levels of phosphate in the blood.

What is the Risk?

In two major clinical trials, 75% of patients on Injectafer developed hypophosphatemia compared to just 8% of patients who were given another iron injection called Monoferric.

Why Does the Body Need Phosphate?

The body needs phosphate to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Over time, too little phosphate can cause bone weakness, broken bones, and muscle damage. Severe cases of hypophosphatemia can cause problems with breathing and heart function, seizures, coma, or death.

What is Hypophosphatemia?

Hypophosphatemia (HPP) occurs when the level of phosphate in the blood is too low. Phosphate is an electrolyte, which is a mineral in the bloodstream that is necessary for making bones and teeth, giving cells energy, and many other important functions.

Early Signs of Hypophosphatemia

Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Bone pain
Appetite loss
Irritability
Numbness
Confusion

Symptoms of Severe Hypophosphatemia

Extreme fatigue
Bone softening (osteomalacia)
Bone fractures
Cardiac arrest
Muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis)
Muscle pain
Respiratory failure
Seizures
Heart failure
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Confusion and delirium
Coma
Death

Softening of the Bones

Bones hold about 85% of the body’s phosphate. This is why bone problems are common when a person has low phosphate levels for a long time (called “chronic hypophosphatemia”). Over time, patients with low phosphate are more likely to suffer bone fractures, bone weakening, softening of the bones, and low bone-mineral density.

Weakness & Fatigue

The body uses phosphate is a building block for substances in the body cells use for energy. This is why fatigue and muscle weakness are very common signs of hypophosphatemia, even in the earliest stages. In severe cases, hypophosphatemia can cause extreme fatigue and a muscle-wasting disease called rhabdomyolysis.

Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis Are Common

Hypophosphatemia is often not diagnosed in the early stages, even in hospitals. Many patients do not show symptoms. If the patient does show early symptoms, the signs are often vague, such as fatigue or irritability. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis until HPP is severe.

Injectafer Hypophosphatemia Lawsuits

A growing number of Injectafer® lawsuits have been filed by people who suffered hypophosphatemia after receiving iron injections for the treatment of anemia.

These lawsuits accuse the pharmaceutical companies that made Injectafer of putting profits over public safety by failing to warn patients and doctors about the risk of severe hypophosphatemia.

Injectafer has been sold in the U.S. since 2013, but it was not until February 2020 that “symptomatic hypophosphatemia” was added to the list of potential side effects for Injectafer.

The label on Injectafer still does not describe the severity of this condition, or studies linking Injectafer to a dramatically higher rate of hypophosphatemia compared to other iron injections like Monoferric.

Do I have a Hypophosphatemia Lawsuit?

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