Cancer and Immune Deficiency Conditions

Cancer and immune deficiency conditions affect millions of people every year and pose serious health risks requiring prompt and comprehensive medical attention.  Typically, the cause of cancer is unknown since so many risk factors, including defective drugs, can contribute to the onset of the disease.  Immune deficiency conditions can lead to the development of a larger number of infections that are generally more severe and last longer than those affecting a healthy person. 

There are a number of defective drugs on the market that have been linked with an increased risk of cancer or immune deficiency.  Three such defective drugs include:

1. Remicade: Used to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
2. Humira: Essentially the same drug as Remicade and used for the same treatments.
3. Prempro: A hormone replacement drug used to treat hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms.

Drug manufacturers marketing prescription medications that increase the risk of cancer or immune deficiency conditions may not have fully informed physicians and patients about a drug’s dangerous side effects.  These pharmaceutical companies may be required to compensate individuals who become afflicted with cancer or an immune deficiency condition due to taking these drugs.  If you have suffered either of these conditions due to a drug side effect, contact the lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 to learn more about your legal rights and potential compensation.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in America, leading to more than 564,000 deaths in 2006.  The five most common types of cancer are colorectal, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic. Cancer is characterized by widespread and uncontrolled divisions of cells that create tumors or conditions affecting tissue or blood throughout the body.

Immune Deficiency Disorders

Immune deficiency disorders are diagnosed when an individual’s immune system is defective.  This results in the body’s inability to properly ward off infections.  Sufferers will experience more frequent infections that are generally more severe and last longer than they typically would. Since sufferers of immune deficiency disorders have difficulty dealing with infections, they can be at a greater risk of cancer.   

Drug Side Effects that can Cause Cancer and Immune Deficiency Disorders

Numerous studies have found a link between the development of lymphoma, tuberculosis and pneumonia with the use of Remicade or Humira.  A recent Mayo Clinic study found Remicade and Humira users are two times more likely to suffer from immune deficiency and three times more likely to develop certain types of cancers, including breast, lung, gastrointestinal and skin.  The manufacturers of both drugs claim the Mayo Clinic data is flawed and the study’s results inaccurate.  They also suggest that regardless of any potentially life-threatening side effects, the benefits of Remicade and Humira outweigh the risks. 

A recent Women’s Health Initiative study discovered a link between Prempro use and the development of breast cancer.  The study compared 8,506 women taking Prempro with 8,102 women taking a placebo, and found a 26% increase in breast cancer amongst the drug’s users. 

Users of Remicade, Humira, Prempro and other defective drugs who have become afflicted with cancer and immune deficiency disorders should contact a lawyer to determine if they may be entitled to compensation.  Pharmaceutical companies have a legal obligation to fully inform doctors and patients about the danger of their drugs and/or remove them from the market.  The inability for drug manufacturers to properly warn consumers is considered negligent and can force them to be held liable if a drug user becomes ill or dies. 

The Law Office of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz boasts some of the most experienced personal injury attorneys in the United States. Contact the lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz today at (877) 810-4808 to learn more about your rights if you develop cancer or an immune deficiency disorder due to using Remicade, Humira, Prempro or another defective drug.