What is the Valsartan Cancer Lawsuit About?
The Valsartan cancer lawsuit is based on claims that individuals who took contaminated Valsartan developed cancer. The findings further claim that individuals who consumed these had slightly higher risks of developing hepatic cancer.
The findings suggest that certain batches of the blood pressure medication Valsartan were contaminated with carcinogenic substances, including nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these impurities as probable human carcinogens.
The drug is available globally under multiple names, and the company has recalled the batches. Meanwhile, millions have been affected, and 1200 lawsuits have been filed. The Valsartan cancer lawsuit alleges that pharmaceutical companies failed to properly manufacture and test their products, leading to serious health risks for consumers.
Who Can File a Valsartan Cancer Lawsuit?
Individuals who were prescribed and have taken contaminated Valsartan and subsequently developed cancer may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Cancers linked to Valsartan contamination include liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and kidney cancer. Those who meet the following criteria can file a lawsuit.
- At least six months of Valsartan use (including a combination of HCTZ and/or Amlodipine) from 2015 to 2019 with proof.
- Post-2017 diagnosis of cancer.
- Not represented by an attorney at present.
The Valsartan cancer lawsuit claims that the manufacturers neglected to maintain quality, exposing them to harmful substances and resulting in severe health consequences.
How Did the Contamination Happen?
The lack of stringent quality control measures in the overseas production facility has contaminated Valsartan. It is claimed that the formation of NDMA and NDEA was the result of the use of solvents and chemicals during production. The contamination went undetected for years, raising serious concerns regarding regulatory quality assurance practices in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
What Are the Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit?
The multiple legal claims for the Valsartan cancer lawsuit are based on:
1. Negligence: Pharmaceutical companies failed to maintain the safety and purity of Valsartan.
2. Product Liability: The manufacturers distributed defective and dangerous medications.
3. Failure to Warn: The risk associated with the contaminated Valsartan was not communicated by the companies to consumers or healthcare providers.
4. Breach of Warranty: The drug failed to maintain the promised safety and quality standards.
5. Strict Liability: As long as NDMA contamination is held as a defect, the drug manufacturer is responsible for the harm caused, even if they took care.
These legal arguments aim to hold manufacturers accountable for their lapses in quality control and transparency.
What Compensation Can Plaintiffs Seek?
Valsartan cancer lawsuit may seek compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs associated with cancer treatment, medications, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: loss of income due to illness and inability to work.
- Psychological Impact: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life due to the diagnosis and treatment.
- Physical Distress: The physical distress caused by cancer, its treatment, and disease condition.
- Punitive Damages: Financial penalties to deter careless and irresponsible attitudes towards the product in the future by pharmaceutical companies.
Regulatory Reforms to Prevent Similar Issues
The Valsartan contamination scandal has brought to focus several loopholes in the global pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Stricter regulatory measures and better oversight are required to prevent similar occurrences. Proposed reforms include:
- Stricter Inspections: Stricter and more frequent inspections for overseas manufacturing facilities.
- Enhanced Testing Protocols: Robust testing requirements for detecting impurities in medications and increasing the frequency and number of tests.
- Improved Supply Chain Transparency: Disclosure of detailed information about their production processes and sourcing.
