Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the United States. Roughly 10 million people are considered iron deficient in the U.S., with 5 million people who suffer iron deficiency amenia (IDA). Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia worldwide, and IDA may cause cardiovascular problems, pregnancy complications, and growth issues. Therefore, doctors may prescribe iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia and safeguard patients from its health risks. However, the iron drug Injectafer may cause dangerous health problems in patients rather than improving their condition. If Injectafer harmed you or a loved one, reach out today to discuss your potential claim and how an Injectafer lawsuit can help you.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have taken Injectafer to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults. Lawsuits against manufacturers of Injectafer claim that the medication leads to unusually low levels of phosphorus, known as hypophosphatemia (HPP).
Injectafer is an intravenous iron replacement drug administered via infusion to treat iron deficiency amenia. Some patients cannot tolerate oral iron supplements, and therefore, may receive Injectafer as an alternative option to treat IDA. The manufacturer of the drug also claims that it is more efficient than oral iron since 100% of the iron goes directly into the bloodstream. According to the Injectafer website, over 2 million patients in the U.S. have been treated with the drug, and each infusion only takes about 15 minutes. Doctors may also use Injectafer to treat IDA in adults with chronic kidney disease who are not receiving dialysis.
Injectafer is one of the first intravenous drugs in the United States to incorporate the ferric carboxymaltose (“FCM”) compound in its formulation. Although FCM allows for rapid replenishment of iron stores, studies have linked it to HPP. In 2015, a study in the International Journal of Rheumatology found that an FCM injection is typically followed by HPP. Studies indicate that Injectafer patients are more likely to develop HPP than those taking alternative iron supplements. For example, in February 2020, a study found that 73-74% of patients routinely taking Injectafer developed HPP. In contrast, only 8% of patients taking the iron infusion drug, Monoferric, showed symptoms of HPP. In patients treated with Injectafer, 11.3% developed severe HPP while those treated with Monoferric showed no signs of severe HPP.
Additionally, an earlier study in 2018 showed that more than half of patients treated with Injectafer had severe HPP while less than 1% of patients treated with an alternative medication, Feraheme, exhibited symptoms of severe HPP.
Injectafer significantly lowers the amount of phosphorus in the body. Phosphorous is a mineral located in the bones, low phosphorus levels can result in several health problems. HPP can range from mild to severe stages, and if left untreated it can lead to severe complications. At a moderate level HPP can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive symptoms. However, patients with severe cases of HPP may experience:
Numerous recent studies suggest that Injectafer placed patients at an increased risk of developing severe HPP compared to alternative iron supplements. Despite research linking HPP and Injectafer, the manufacturer has failed to provide adequate warnings addressing all of the risks associated with Injectafer. Lawsuits allege that the manufacturer knew that Injectafer caused HPP, but did not update its warning label to inform patients or the medical community.
Recent lawsuits have claimed that Injectafer may have serious and potentially lethal consequences. For instance, in Philadelphia, plaintiffs Teresa J. Edwards and Barbara Kessler allege that Injectafer caused them to develop HPP. After 10 infusions, Ms. Edwards suffered from severe muscle fatigue and pain. Ms. Kessler had several infusions and reported boRoughly 40 Injectafer lawsuits are pendingh.
Roughly 40 Injectafer lawsuits are pending in federal courts and even more lawsuits in state courts.
If Injectafer injured you or a loved one, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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