Tekamlo (generic: aliskiren and amlodipine) is a prescription medication indicated for the reduction of high blood pressure in those who are hypertensive. By acting on specific chemicals in the body that narrow blood vessels, Tekamlo may indirectly lower blood pressure and the subsequent risk of associated complications. Unfortunately, certain populations who receive Tekamlo treatment may be at an increased risk of suffering from strokes, kidney injuries, high potassium levels, and dangerously low blood pressure.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Tekamlo, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Tekamlo Lawsuit Overview
As one of the newest components in Novartis Pharmaceuticals’ arsenal of blood pressure medications, Tekamlo was introduced to the U.S. market on August 26, 2010.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved of the use of Tekamlo for lowering blood pressure in those who are hypertensive. Patients who are hypertensive exhibit significantly high blood pressure readings due to the narrowing of blood vessels that characterizes the condition.
One of Tekamlo’s active ingredients, aliskiren, resides in a category of medications known as direct renin inhibitors. As a direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren has the inherent ability to decrease certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels. Accordingly, blood vessels relax in the presence of aliskiren and blood pressure is lowered, therefore allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently.
Amlodipine, aliskiren’s counterpart in Tekamlo, is intended to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. As a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. The mechanism of action is similar to that of aliskiren’s and assists in promoting proper blood flow.
However, recent studies suggest that the pharmacodynamics of aliskiren may pose as a potential threat to certain populations. Patients who receive Tekamlo treatment, particularly those diagnosed with diabetes and using angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may significantly increase their risk of developing a stroke, kidney injury, high potassium levels, and dangerously low blood pressure. Due to the severity of these complications, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Tekamlo lawsuit.
Tekamlo Side Effects
Side effects associated with Tekamlo treatment include:
- Kidney problems
- Strokes
- Non-fatal strokes
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Renal complications
- Myocardial infractions
Tekamlo Stroke Risk
While Tekamlo is intended to relax blood vessels and promote a healthy flow of blood, adverse effects may result in the opposite. While ambiguous in nature, Tekamlo treatment may further complicate blood glow, resulting in severe, life-threatening complications. The presence of interrupted circulation may increase the risk of stroke.
An inadequate oxygen supply to the brain may result in one of two kinds of strokes. The first of which is known as an ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessels that supply blood to the brain are blocked by a clot. Ischemic strokes may also be caused by clogged arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances collect on the artery walls, forming a sticky substance called plaque. If enough plaque builds up, blood flow may be significantly impeded.
A hemorrhagic stroke, otherwise synonymous with a brain aneurysm, occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. The obstacle provided by the burst vessel proves insufficient in facilitating the entire brain with oxygenated blood.
Strokes may result in both temporary and permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain was without oxygen and how many subsequent brain cells were lost. Complications of a Tekamlo stroke may include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of muscle movement
- Difficulty talking
- Memory loss
- Severe pain
- Changes in behavior
- Death
Tekamlo Kidney Injury Risk
Because of the potential for elevated potassium levels in the blood of some patients, Tekamlo may force the heart to work at an accelerated pace, resulting in damaged blood vessels throughout the body. If blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may no longer have the ability to remove waste and extra fluids from the body. The extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise the blood pressure and cause a number of severe, life-threatening complications.
Tekamlo ALTITUDE Clinical Trial Results
In a statement, Novartis said it was in ongoing talks with health authorities worldwide about the implications of the ALTITUDE trial’s findings. As a precautionary measure, Novartis also said it would cease promotion of aliskiren-based products for use in combination with an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.
In December 2011, Novartis issued a press release stating that it had prematurely terminated its so-called ALTITUDE clinical study because a high number of test subjects suffered strokes, kidney injuries, and heart problems. The study involved nearly 9,000 patients treated with aliskiren from 36 countries.
Other Aliskiren-Based Medications
The following medications all contain aliskiren, the active ingredient associated with these life-threatening complications:
- Tekturna
- Valturna
- Amturnide
Do I Have a Tekamlo Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Tekamlo lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Tekamlo, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.