Enbrel Lawsuit

A Brief Guide to Filing an Enbrel Lawsuit:

What is Embrel?

Embrel, which is the brand name for Etanercept, is used alone or in conjunction with other medications to relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders (conditions in which the immume system forges attacks on healthy parts of the body, causing swelling, pain and damage). Specifically, Embrel focuses on relieving the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Embrel, which is administered as an injection, belongs to a class of medications known as tumor-necrosis inhibitors; the drug is effective by blocking the action of TNF—a natural substance that causes inflammation.

Embrel Side Effects:

Embrel side effects may present themselves regardless of dosage strength. Please tell your doctor if any of these Embrel side effects are severe or persistent:

• Common Embrel side effects include: itching, redness, or swelling at the site of the injections; headache; nauea; vomiting; weakness; cough; stomach pain and heart burn

• Severe Embrel side effects (which require immediate medical attention) include: seizures; bleeding; pale skin; bruising; rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, feet, ankles or lower legs; rash on the face; numbness; vision problems; difficulty swallowing or breathing; weakness in the legs or arms; dizziness and the presence of red, scaly patches on the skin.

Embrel side effects may take other forms; regardless, if you experience any unusual Embrel side effects, please contact your doctor to discuss discontinuation. If your Embrel side effects are particularly insufferable, you and your doctor may opt to file a report with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program found online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Medwatch or via phone at 1-800-332-1088.

Embrel Lawsuits and FDA Regulations:

Initially approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by the FDA in 1998, the prescription medication Enbrel has since been linked with a number of side effects. While no large-scale class action Enbrel lawsuit has reached the courts, many people suffering as a result of Enbrel use have undertaken private legal action. Pursuing Embrel lawsuits over Enbrel side effects is typically initiated by patients who develop side effects that were not specifically warned against in the drug’s packaging.

When introduced to market, the prescription information did not provide sufficient warning concerning Enbrel side effects relating to infection. Receiving an Enbrel injection places patients on a course of treatment with a medication classified as a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) blocker. In 2008, the FDA concluded that the drug’s warning section must be altered to reflect the possible development of pneumonia with Embrel use.

In the warning, the FDA particularly cautioned physicians to be aware of histoplasmosis—a potentially fatal fungal disease which affects the lungs. During their 2008 news conference on the subject, the FDA advised doctors to begin a course of antifungal treatment in response to such Enbrel side effects.

In 2008, the FDA undertook an investigation concerning Enbrel side effects and the risk of cancer. Responding to reports that 30 cases of cancer were reported during the drug's ten years on the market, the FDA concluded that an Enbrel injection can increase the risk of cancer.

Patients, experiencing d such reactions, as well as the survivors of those who died, are eligible to file Enbrel lawsuits against the manufacturer.

In 2011 a Virginia man who developed cancer during a course of treatment via Enbrel injection filed an Enbrel lawsuit against manufacturer Amgen alleging that they did not sufficiently warn of the risks of developing cancer. Charges such as fraud and negligent representation can be brought forth along with an Enbrel lawsuit claim for damages and medical expenses.
Individuals, who are hurt as a result of Enbrel side effects, seek Enbrel lawsuits to secure compensation for their injuries. Enbrel lawsuits, if successfully filed, may compensate for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. To secure a settlement via an Enbrel lawsuit, the plaintiff must affirm the link between their medical condition or injury and Enbrel use. Furthermore, the plaintiff must prove that the drug manufacturer was dishonest or negligent in producing associated warnings. Obviously this a very basic rundown of Enbrel lawsuits; to engage in a formal discussion, please contact a pharmaceutical or drug attorney regarding your potential Enbrel lawsuit.

Currently, the prescription information provided by the manufacturer includes a "black box warning"; this warning highlights the risk of Enbrel side effects including antifungal infections, tuberculosis and child cancer. Regardless of this warning, an Enbrel lawsuit may still be pursued by those who adhered to intake instructions and still developed severe reactions. Enbrel lawsuits are often undertaken by those who develop adult cancer, lupus or other infections following treatment.

Many factors determine the viability of an Enbrel lawsuit, including your state's statute of limitations. Many attorneys offer free evaluations of your proposed Enbrel lawsuit. Before consulting with an attorney to discuss Enbrel lawsuits, please procure all medical records to adequately document your dosage levels, side effects and other pertinent information.

Sources:

1. United States National Library of Medicine “Etancercept Injection” retrieved from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000193/

2. http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/9419

3. “Early Communication About an Ongoing Safety Review of Tumor Necrosis Factor” Retrieved

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/

DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm070725.htm

4. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/01/briefing/3779b2_02_immunex.pdf