As an anti-fungal antibiotic, Lamisil (generic: terbinafine hydrochloride) is indicated to assist in the treatment of infections caused by certain types of fungus that affect the fingernails and toenails. Of significant concern, however, are the side effects that have recently been associated with the oral applications of Lamisil. Patients receiving Lamisil treatment may significantly increase their risk of experiencing liver failure. Subsequently, reported cases of liver failure, some leading to death or liver transplant, have occurred with the use of the anti-fungal treatment and have resulted in potential Lamisil lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Lamisil, 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.
Lamisil Lawsuit Overview
Lamisil, a product of Novartis, received approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 10, 1996. Upon its release into the U.S. market, Lamisil was indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes. Having been on the market for approximately 16 years, Lamisil has helped millions of patients treat conditions such as this.
Lamisil tablets contain a synthetic allylamine anti-fungal compound known as terbinafine hydrochloride. As such, terbinafine hydrochloride is hypothesized to act by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, thus blocking the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. In doing so, Lamisil inhibits the growth of fungus while simultaneously getting rid of it all together.
Lamisil treatment, in both oral and topical applications, has proven to be capable of eradicating dangerous fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails. Of significant concern, however, are recent associations that have been established between Lamisil oral tablets and the development of a particularly dangerous condition. Patients receiving Lamisil treatment may significantly increase their risk of experiencing liver failure. Rare cases of liver failure, some leading to death or liver transplant, have occurred with the use of Lamisil tablets for the treatment of onychomycosis in individuals with and without pre-existing liver disease. The FDA acknowledged that there have been at least 16 separate cases of liver failure attributed to Lamisil since it was first approved in 2001, including two patients who required liver transplants and 11 fatalities. Due to the rate and severity in which liver failure may occur, many patients may be entitled to compensation by filing their own Lamisil lawsuit.
Lamisil Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the side effects associated with Lamisil treatment:
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Loss of taste
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Upper stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
However, Lamisil lawsuits are currently evaluating the link between the anti-fungal treatment and the development of the following conditions:
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
Lamisil Liver Failure
On May 9, 2001, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory concerning the use of Lamisil oral tablets. Furthermore, healthcare professionals were notified of the possible association of serious, hepatic adverse events with the administration of Lamisil. As a result, the labels of Lamisil products were revised to include the risk of adverse hepatic events. The update continued to acknowledge that as of April 2001, the FDA had reviewed 16 possible Lamisil associated cases of liver failure, including 11 deaths and two liver transplant patients.
In addition to the revised labels, Novartis distributed a A href=http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/UCM173791.pdf>warning letter to professionals in the healthcare field. Included in the letter were detailed descriptions of the recently established link between Lamisil and liver failure. According to the letter, rare cases of hepatic failure, some leading to death or liver transplant, have occurred with the use of Lamisil tablets for the treatment of onychomycosis in individuals with and with-out preexisting liver disease.
Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver become damaged beyond repair and the liver is no longer able to function. Subsequently, the organ is no longer able to detoxify the blood, provide protein synthesis or the production of chemicals that are necessary for digestion. The liver is necessary for survival; there is currently no way to compensate for the absence of liver function long term. Therefore, liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care. Most often, liver failure occurs gradually and over many years. However, a more rare condition known as acute liver failure occurs rapidly (in as little as 48 hours) and can be difficult to detect initially. If you have taken this medication and are worried about liver failure, contact our firm today to see if you qualify for a Lamisil lawsuit.
Do I Have a Lamisil 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 Lamisil lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Lamisil, 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.