Enbrel linked to deadly fungal infections
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease or any other autoimmune conditions?
Are you being treated with Enbrel?
Then you maybe at risk for a deadly fungal infection.
Our firm’s Enbrel lawyers and attorneys are investigating cases of serious fungal infections after the use of Enbrel. The fungal infection is called histoplasmosis and it exhibits symptoms similar to the flu. Histoplasmosis is what is called an “opportunistic” infection, which means that it effects people whose immune system is compromised.
What is Enbrel?
Enbrel is part of a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF blocker) which suppress the immune system. These drugs are approved to treat one or more of several diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.
The labeling for these drugs already includes warnings about the risk of serious infections, including fungal infections. But based on reports reviewed by FDA, cases of histoplasmosis and other invasive fungal infections have not been recognized consistently, and that has delayed antifungal treatment and led to death in some patients.
FDA warns about deadly fungal infections
On September 4, 2008, the FDA ordered a stronger warning for Enbrel. The FDA has ordered that the manufacturer’s must warn users that they are at risk of developing potentially fatal fungal infections. In its announcement the agency reports that 240 users of the drugs have contracted a fungal infection called histoplasmosis. 45 of the reported cases have resulted in death.
Serious Histophasmosis infections linked to Enbrel
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that exhibits symptoms similar to the flu. It is most prevalent in states bordering the Ohio River valley and the lower Mississippi River. (Positive histoplasmin skin tests occur in as many as 80% of the people living in areas where H. capsulatum is common, such as the eastern and central United States.)
Unless an individual’s immune system is suppressed the fungus remains asymptomatic. However, the immune systems of patients taking TNF inhibitors become suppressed as a result of therapy making them more likely to become symptomatic.
In patients who are immune suppressed, most have respiratory complaints like cough or shortness of breath. Others complain of unusual weight loss, fatigue and fevers. Their have also been reports of sores on the skin, bone sores, sores in the mouth or intestines and in some instances neurological complaints.
If untreated, these fungal infections be fatal in 90% of people who are on TNF blockers. Death could occur in as little as three weeks after symptoms were observed.
Contact an Enbrel Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love suffered from fungal infections or cancer as a result of Enbrel you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form or call 1 800 99 POTTS (1-800-997-6887) as soon as possible to discuss your case with one of our Enbrel injury lawyers.
Latest Enbrel Injury News
FDA warning on vaginal slings
FDA Public Health Notification: Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh in Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence Issued: October 20, 2008 Dear Healthcare Practitioner: This is to alert you to complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh to treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). [...]
Vaginal mesh linked to erosion and infections
Did you have surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence? Are you experiencing vaginal pain and bleeding, or discharge? Your vaginal tape may have eroded increasing your risk of serious infection and injury. Our vaginal tape injury lawyers are investigating serious injury, including erosions and infections, caused by the implantation of vaginal surgical mesh for the [...]
