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Tekturna Side Effect Lawsuit

Tekturna Side Effect Lawsuit | Lawsuit, Lawyer, Attorney | Side Effects: Kidney Problems, Strokes, Non-fatal stroke, Hyperkalemia (high potassium), Hypotension (low blood pressure), Other Complications

Have you taken Tekturna (Aliskiren) and suffered from kidney problems, strokes or other complications? Tekturna, a blood pressure drug manufactured by Novartis, is under increasing scrutiny because of its possible association with serious side effects. If you suffered a stroke or kidney problem while taking this drug, you may be eligible to file a Tekturna lawsuit to obtain compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP who limit their practice to litigation including defective pharmaceuticals are currently investigating Tekturna side effects. We are also offering free legal evaluations to anyone considering the possibility of filing a Tekturna lawsuit. If you or a loved one had a stroke or developed kidney problems while using this blood pressure medication, we urge you to contact one of our Tekturna lawyers today to explore the legal options available to you.

Tekturna Strokes and Kidney Problems

Tekturna was approved in 2007 in the U.S. and Europe (where it is sold as Rasilez) as a treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) either as monotherapy or in combination with other medications. Aliskiren is also available in other formulations including:

• TekturnaHCT (hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, and aliskiren).
• Valturna (aliskiren and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker).
• TekAmlo (aliskiren and amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker).
• Amturnide (aliskiren, amlodipine besylate (a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide).

In an attempt to expand its market share, Novartis launched several trials to determine if Tekturna could protect key organs, such as kidneys and the heart, if taken over a longer period of time. One of those clinical trials was known as ALTITUDE, a multinational study in 8,606 patients from 36 countries evaluating the potential benefits of Tekturna to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal events in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney impairment. In the study, Tekturna was given in addition to optimal cardiovascular treatment including an angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB.

In December 2011, Novartis announced it had halted the ALTITUDE trial after its independent review committee noted higher adverse events in patients receiving Tekturna in addition to standard of care in the trial. There was also an increased incidence after 18-24 months of serious side effects in the high risk population, including:

• Non-fatal stroke
• Renal complications
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

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 Tekturna-based products for use in combination with an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.

Following the announcement, one pharmaceutical industry analyst told Reuters that the findings of the ALTITUDE trial were a “major setback" for the drug and could lead to a Tekturna recall.

Legal Help for Victims of Tekturna Side Effects

If you or a loved one suffered a stroke, kidney problem or other side effect that may be linked to the use of Tekturna, you may have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our Tekturna lawyers today.