Valturna ( generic: aliskiren and valsartan) is a dual action prescription medication intended to reduce heightened blood pressure by acting on chemicals that restrict blood vessels. Therefore, by relaxing blood vessels, Valturna may help patients avoid severe complications associated with high blood pressure. However, the introduction of Valturna may coincide with complications of its own. Patients who receive Valturna treatment may significantly increase their 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 Valturna, 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.
Valturna Lawsuit Overview
As a relatively new drug in the arsenal of high blood pressure medications, Valturna was introduced to the U.S. market by Novartis Pharmaceuticals on September 16, 2009. At the time of its release, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Valturna treatment to reduce high blood pressure in the presence of hypertension.
One of Valturna’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. Tekturna is another popular medication that uses aliskiren.
Similar to that of aliskiren, Valturna’s subsequent ingredient assists in the reduction of heightened blood pressure. Valsartan, the second ingredient, is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.
Unfortunately, the mechanisms of action exhibited by Valturna may coincide with severe, life-threatening complications. Patients who receive Valturna 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 Valturna lawsuit.
Valturna Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the serious side effects that have been associated with Valturna use:
- Kidney problems
- Strokes
- Non-fatal strokes
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Renal complications
- Myocardial infractions
Valturna Stroke
Strokes occur when the brain is unable to obtain the appropriate amount of blood and nutrients. Subsequently, if the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen. Events such as this may witness the death of brain cells at an alarming rate until a supply of oxygen and nutrients is restores.
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 Valturna stroke may include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of muscle movement
- Difficulty talking
- Memory loss
- Severe pain
- Changes in behavior
- Death
Valturna Kidney Injury Risk
Because of the potential for elevated potassium levels in the blood of some patients, Valturna 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.
Other Aliskiren-Based Medications
The following medications all contain aliskiren, the active ingredient associated with these life-threatening complications:
- Tekturna
- Tekamlo
- Amturnide
Do I Have a Valturna 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 Valturna lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Valturna, 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.