Patented in 1990 and first put into wide medical use in 1996, Valsartan—commonly sold as Diovan or Exforge, among other brand names—is an oral blood pressure medication that doctors have also used to treat diabetic kidney disease and heart failure. In 2018, though, Valsartan was subject to numerous recall notices worldwide after it became known that batches of the drug’s active ingredient were contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals.
If you developed cancer after taking prescription Valsartan in or before 2018, a Houston Valsartan lawyer can help you determine if you have grounds for civil litigation. We have extensive experience winning cases like this on behalf of regular people like you, and our mass torts attorneys are not afraid to go to trial to get you the restitution you deserve.
What Made Valsartan Dangerous Enough To Justify Litigation?
Although Valsartan itself does have some known side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches, it is not currently considered by any scientific or regulatory authorities to be a dangerous drug. However, regulatory agencies in Europe, North America, and Asia all issued recall notices for Valsartan and derivative products in July 2018 based on concerns that the drug was contaminated with dangerous amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and further research uncovered that these products were also potentially contaminated with dangerous amounts of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA).
Both NDMA and NDEA are carcinogens that can increase a person’s risk of developing all kinds of cancers, including:
- Prostate cancer
- Liver and bladder cancer
- Cancer in the esophagus and lungs
- Cancers of the blood, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Cancers in various parts of the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, colon, and rectum
If you developed any of these forms of cancer after taking potentially contaminated Valsartan, our Houston attorneys can help you explore your options for legal action.
Seeking Fair Recovery for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
A cancer diagnosis is invariably a life-altering experience, and money alone cannot erase all of the negative impacts cancer can cause. However, holding the manufacturers of Valsartan liable for providing you with an inherently dangerous product can still be key to stabilizing your family’s finances, ensuring you get the medical care you need, and maximizing your long-term quality of life.
One of our lawyers can work with you to file a Houston Valsartan lawsuit and demand restitution for medical bills, lost work income, physical pain, and psychological distress. However, it is crucial to act quickly to enforce your rights. By contacting our attorneys immediately, you can help ensure you file your claim within the deadlines and improve your chances of success.
Speak With a Houston Valsartan Attorney About Your Legal Options
Even if they did not knowingly sell a dangerous product, the companies that made and sold products containing contaminated Valsartan can still be held liable for the harm their defective medications caused. However, achieving a positive outcome against a major pharmaceutical company can be virtually impossible for anyone to accomplish alone.
You have help available to you from a dedicated and experienced Houston Valsartan lawyer who can help you pursue your claim as effectively as possible. Call Williams Hart & Boundas today for a consultation.