Amturnide (generic: aliskiren, hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine) is unique in that it combines three distinct active ingredients to combat high blood pressure. As an anti-hypertensive medication Amturnide works to decrease substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Unfortunately, certain populations who receive Amturnide 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 Amturnide, 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.
Amturnide Lawsuit Overview
Having only been on the U.S. market for approximately one year, Amturnide is Novartis Pharmaceuticals’ newest addition to their already popular blood pressure medications. Following the necessary regulatory actions, Amturnide was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 21, 2010. The combination formula was indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure in those who are hypertensive. By acting on specific chemicals in the body that narrow blood vessels, Amturnide may indirectly lower blood pressure and the subsequent risk of associated complications.
One of Amturnide’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.
Similar to that of, aliskiren’s, amlodipine is intended to treat high blood pressure. 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.
To compliment both aliskiren and amlodipine, Novartis added an additional component. Hydrochlorothiazide, a ‘water pill,’ is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Unfortunately, the introduction of aliskiren may coincide with severe side effects in certain populations. Patients who receive Amturnide 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 Amturnide lawsuit.
Amturnide Side Effects
Side effects associated with Amturnide treatment include:
- Kidney problems
- Strokes
- Non-fatal strokes
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Renal complications
- Myocardial infractions
Amturnide Stroke Risk
The mechanism of action displayed in Amturnide treatment witnesses blood vessels relax in order to permit the flow of blood through the circulatory system. However, adverse circumstances associated with Amturnide use may result in poor circulation. In the event this happens, patients may be at risk of suffering from a stroke.
Strokes have the potential to permanently or temporarily disable an individual, depending on how long the brain and subsequent organs are without oxygen. The longer nutrient deprivation occurs, the more severe the damage will become. Complications of a Amturnide stroke may include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of muscle movement
- Difficulty talking
- Memory loss
- Severe pain
- Changes in behavior
- Death
Amturnide Kidney Injury Risk
Because of the potential for elevated potassium levels in the blood of some patients, Amturnide 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.
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
- Tekamlo
Do I Have a Amturnide 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 Amturnide lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Amturnide, 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.