INJECTAFER AND SEVERE HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA

Did You Take the Prescription Drug Injectafer for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)?

If you experience

• confusion,
• weakness, or
• an irregular heartbeat

after being treated with Injectafer for your iron deficiency anemia, it could also be a sign that you have developed severe hypophosphatemia (HPP), which is a severe deficiency of phosphate (phosphorous) in the body. Typically, this condition develops when people either cannot absorb phosphate through their intestines or they are malnourished. However, severe hypophosphatemia has also been linked to drugs like Injectafer.

Iron deficiency anemia, caused when the blood lacks adequate red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues, leaves those who suffer from the condition feeling tired and out of breath. As the illness progresses, individuals may find that they develop cold hands and feet, experience headaches, and feel weak, dizzy, and lightheaded.

The standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia is taking iron supplements orally, along with vitamin C to enhance absorption. However, it can take months for the body’s iron levels to become optimal. Moreover, many people find that they cannot tolerate oral doses of iron, particularly if they are taking antacids or have impaired gastric acid production.

For people who prefer a quick remedy, or who cannot tolerate oral iron supplementation, doctors may prescribe an intravenous iron replacement.

Injectafer Has Been Linked to Severe Hypophosphatemia (HPP)

Nausea and irritation at the injection site are common, warned-of, side effects. A more severe and unwarned of side effect is Severe Hypophosphatemia (HPP).

If you experience confusion, weakness, or an irregular heartbeat after being treated with Injectafer for your iron deficiency anemia, it could also be a sign that you have developed severe hypophosphatemia (HPP), which is a severe deficiency of phosphate (phosphorous) in the body. Typically, this condition develops when people either cannot absorb phosphate through their intestines or they are malnourished. However, severe hypophosphatemia has also been linked to drugs like Injectafer.

Clinical studies involving Injectafer overwhelmingly point to Injectafer’s propensity to cause hypophosphatemia and severe hypophosphatemia at rates drastically higher than its competitor iron supplements. Notably, Injectafer does not warn about severe hypophosphatemia, and in fact downplays the type of hypophosphatemia that a patient may experience by using descriptors in its labeling such as “asymptomatic” and “transient.” Just the opposite is true: severe hypophosphatemia is incredibly dangerous and can result in long-term damage, or even death.

What Is the Prognosis for Severe Hypophosphatemia?

Depending on its severity, chronic HPP may have no symptoms and can go unnoticed. Typically, it results from an underlying hormonal condition such as Cushing’s Disease. Because the levels of phosphate become low slowly, over a period of time, it is a less serious condition.

Severe HPP, on the other hand, is a dangerous condition signaling a rapid, sudden drop in phosphate levels. It can lead to seizures, muscle weakness, respiratory failure, heart failure, coma, and even death if not treated in time. Mild or moderate forms of the condition may be treated with oral phosphate and vitamin D supplementation; severe cases require intravenous injections of phosphate. Severe hypophosphatemia has also been linked to conditions such as rhabdomyolysis and osteomalacia (a long-term bone disease).

We Can Help You Determine Whether You Have a Case

When prescription drugs work the way they are supposed to, they can vastly improve quality of life. However, sometimes, medications like Injectafer to treat iron deficiency anemia have terrible consequences. The patient doesn’t know it, but drugs like Injectafer are linked to the development of diseases and conditions, some serious and even fatal.

If you believe that a prescription drug has hurt you or your loved one, you may be entitled to compensation. Inserra | Kelley |Sewell are Nebraska attorneys experienced with representing people who are harmed by pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, medical malpractice, discrimination, or negligence. Contact us at 800-642-1242 to learn how we may be able to help you.

The Initial Consultation is Free.

Take the first step toward protecting your interests. Contact us for a free, no obligation conversation to talk about what options are available. Call Inserra | Kelley | Sewell at 800-642-1242 today.