Viekira cures 90% of hepatitis C infections, but it can also cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, transplants, or death in 1-4 weeks. There is no excuse for downplaying these risks in people with severe liver problems who are desperate for a cure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Viekira induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with liver failure, 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.
Viekira Class Action Lawsuits
Viekira class actions have already been filed — but not for people who developed liver injuries after taking Viekira. The class actions were filed against insurance companies who refused to pay for Viekira unless the patient was sick enough to qualify for a cure for hepatitis C.
$300 Million Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
In September 2016, United HealthCare paid a $300 million settlement in a class action lawsuit for refusing to cover hepatitis C drugs, including Viekiera. This class action is over — but our lawyers are currently filing lawsuits for people who developed liver injuries.
Viekira Liver Injury Lawsuits
Our lawyers are investigating lawsuits against AbbVie Inc., the manufacturer of Viekira, for failing to warn about the risk of liver injuries. These side effects are more likely to occur in people with advanced hepatitis C who are desperate for a cure.
AbbVie Strengthens Liver Warnings for Viekira Pak
In October 2015, AbbVie updated the label on Viekira with stronger warnings about liver injuries. AbbVie also asked doctors to check patients for evidence of hepatic decompensation before treatment. The label warns that Viekiera is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B & C) due to the risk of liver toxicity. That includes many patients with hepatitis C.
FDA Reports Liver Failure, Transplants, Deaths
Liver warnings were strengthened after the FDA reported dozens of severe liver injuries in the first year Viekira was on the market — mostly in patients who never should have been prescribed Viekira because they had pre-existing advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Some injuries occurred in patients on Technivie.
Liver Damage Risks & Warning Signs
Viekira can cause serious liver injuries. There have been cases of hepatic decompensation and liver failure in patients with underlying cirrhosis. Some patients suffered liver transplantation or death.
Patients should be monitored for complications like bleeding varices (internal bleeding), ascites (fluid in the belly), encephalopathy (brain damage or confusion), and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). According to the FDA:
Patients taking these medicines should contact their health care professional immediately if they develop fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes or skin, or light-colored stools, as these may be signs of liver injury.”
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm, but we are not filing a Viekira class action lawsuit against AbbVie Inc. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who suffered:
- Liver injury
- Hepatotoxicity
- Acute hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Cirrhosis
- End-stage liver disease
- Hepatic impairment or dysfunction
- Liver failure
- Organ transplant
- Death
About Class Actions
If compensation is awarded by a jury or settlement, everyone in a class action shares the payout. Class actions are useful because they can resolve a lot of similar legal claims all at once.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
For individual who experience very severe side effects from Viekira, a class action could have disadvantages. Members of a class action may have to accept a “low-ball” settlement or higher attorneys’ fees.
Another problem is that Viekira is associated with a wide range of liver injuries. These cases are unlikely to be resolved by a class action. By filing individual lawsuits, our lawyers can focus on helping people who suffered the most serious liver side effects of Viekira. Victims may be eligible for compensation or a lawsuit settlement.
Do I have a Viekira Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Viekira induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with liver failure, 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.
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