Understanding the Risks of Veozah: Liver Injuries and Legal Options for Victims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a black-box warning, its most serious caution, on Veozah, a drug designed to alleviate menopausal hot flashes. While the medication offers relief for many, it carries a risk of liver injury that has prompted increased scrutiny and monitoring requirements. This development has left patients questioning the safety of Veozah and their options if they experience adverse effects.
The Dangers of Veozah: Liver Injury and Patient Concerns
Veozah, approved in 2023, was hailed as a breakthrough treatment for menopausal symptoms, offering a non-hormonal alternative to alleviate hot flashes. It works by blocking the neurokinin B receptor in the brain, which regulates body temperature. However, recent cases of liver injury linked to the drug have raised alarm.
The FDA’s black-box warning highlights the potential for severe liver damage, emphasizing the need for frequent blood testing to monitor liver function. Patients are advised to watch for symptoms such as fatigue, itching, nausea, vomiting, pale stools, dark urine, or jaundice. If these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention and discontinuation of the drug are recommended.
One documented case involved a patient developing elevated liver enzymes after approximately 40 days of using Veozah. The patient’s symptoms subsided, and liver function returned to normal after stopping the medication. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the unpredictability of individual reactions to the drug. Factors like pre-existing health conditions, genetics, and concurrent medications can influence a patient’s risk of liver complications.
Healthcare providers are now tasked with balancing the drug’s benefits against its risks. Patients taking Veozah are required to undergo liver function tests at one, two, and three months after starting the medication, with additional tests at months six and nine. Despite these precautions, the potential for harm persists, leaving patients vulnerable to significant health complications.
How Patients Are Harmed by Veozah
When patients suffer liver damage from Veozah, the consequences can be severe. Liver injuries can disrupt the body’s ability to detoxify, regulate metabolism, and produce essential proteins. In extreme cases, patients may face long-term health issues or even the need for a liver transplant. The physical and emotional toll of these complications is often accompanied by significant financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
The symptoms of liver damage may appear suddenly, often catching patients off guard. A patient may initially experience mild signs like fatigue or nausea, which can escalate to more alarming symptoms like jaundice or severe abdominal pain. For some, the damage may require invasive medical interventions, prolonged hospital stays, and months of recovery.
Filing a Lawsuit for Veozah-Related Injuries
Patients harmed by Veozah may have the right to pursue legal action against the drug’s manufacturer, Astellas, under product liability laws. These claims typically argue that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn about the risks, distributed a defective product, or acted negligently in the development and marketing of the medication.
The lawsuit process begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and the circumstances surrounding their injury. Evidence such as medical records, FDA reports, and expert testimony are critical in establishing a connection between the drug and the harm suffered. An attorney will assess the case’s merits and guide victims through each step of the legal process, from filing the complaint to negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial.
Most product liability lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies are resolved through settlements, where the manufacturer agrees to compensate the victim to avoid a prolonged legal battle. However, some cases may proceed to court, where an attorney will argue the case before a judge or jury. Throughout this process, legal representation is crucial to ensure that victims’ rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney
Product liability cases, particularly those involving pharmaceutical injuries, are highly complex. Drug manufacturers often have extensive legal resources and teams of attorneys working to minimize their liability. Victims need skilled legal advocates who understand the nuances of these cases and can effectively challenge the manufacturer’s defenses.
An attorney will handle critical aspects of the case, including evidence collection, communication with medical experts, and negotiations with the manufacturer’s legal team. They will also ensure that all legal deadlines are met and that the case complies with the applicable statutes of limitations. Without a product injury attorney, victims risk receiving inadequate compensation or having their claims dismissed due to procedural errors.
Damages Recoverable in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims harmed by Veozah may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for past and future medical treatments, hospital stays, and ongoing care related to the injury.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Monetary awards for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoing and deter similar actions in the future.
For families who have lost a loved one due to complications from Veozah, wrongful death claims may provide additional compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has experienced liver injury or other complications after using Veozah, it’s important to understand your legal options. Parker Waichman LLP has the experience and resources to help victims of defective drugs pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529). Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide personal injury law firm is ready to assist you.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.avif)
