Valsartan is a popular prescription drug used to manage high blood pressure. It’s also known by its brand name, Diovan. A clear link has been discovered between Valsartan use and cancer in recent years. 

If you were prescribed Valsartan between 2015 and 2019, you might be eligible for compensation through a Valsartan lawsuit.

Why Is Valsartan at the Center of a Lawsuit?

Valsartan, also known as Diovan, is a drug commonly used to manage hypertension. It’s also sometimes prescribed to help prevent kidney malfunction and stroke. Valsartan has been on the market in the U.S. since 1996. Over one million Americans have been prescribed Valsartan. 

Over the past few years, many Valsartan users have been diagnosed with cancer. It was discovered that Valsartan is frequently contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a known human carcinogen, which is known to cause cancer. 

Drug manufacturers have a legal responsibility to produce drugs that are safe for human consumption. Some drugs may come with side effects, but these are usually temporary, occasional, and subside when the use of the drug is stopped. 

When a prescription drug creates a devastating and often fatal condition like cancer, the manufacturer must be held responsible for the negligence involved in creating a dangerous product. Part of this responsibility includes providing injured individuals with compensation. This is achieved through a product liability lawsuit. 

Do I Qualify for a Valsartan Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Valsartan, you may qualify for a Valsartan lawsuit. Even small amounts of the drug can be cancer-causing. This means that even if you did not take Valsartan for very long, it could still be responsible for the development of cancer.  

The FDA first issued a recall of Valsartan in 2018 due to its potential to cause cancer. Types of cancer known to be associated with Valsartan include cancer of the following organs: 

  • Liver
  • Gastrointestinal tract
  • Stomach
  • Kidneys
  • Colon
  • Pancreas
  • Esophagus
  • Prostate

Valsartan may also be responsible for the development of the following:

  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Leukemia

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these forms of cancer and have used Valsartan, it’s possible the drug is responsible. 

If you have taken Valsartan for any length of time, you should be aware of the risk of developing cancer. If you have not been diagnosed with cancer, look for these early warning signs that cancer is developing: 

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Skin changes
  • Fever

Cancer treatment is often more effective when the cancer is caught early and before it has time to develop to a later stage. Know the risks posed by Valsartan use, and don’t ignore the signs that cancer is developing.

If you do experience warning signs, speak with your doctor promptly. 

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

Compensation in a defective drug lawsuit can be significant. This is especially true when the outcome is a devastating condition like cancer. 

Your compensation should cover medical treatment costs and lost earning ability. For an illness like cancer, compensation for damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress might be available.

If you’ve lost a loved one to cancer and you believe Valsartan played a role in their illness and subsequent death, you may be eligible to bring forward a wrongful death lawsuit.   

How a Lawyer Can Help 

When a drug like Valsartan causes illness, you need to work with an experienced product liability lawyer to take legal action and gain compensation. 

An attorney will collect evidence and build a case for compensation. Your attorney will identify a target compensation value based on the extent of your illness and the associated damage. 

Developing cancer after taking a trusted drug such as Valsartan is a tragedy. While no amount of money can restore your health, compensation can provide some relief from the high costs of cancer treatment.

Contact the New Port Richey Product Liability Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a product liability lawyer in New Port Richey. We have four convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442