Six studies involving the cancer drug Zydelig have been halted prematurely after several patients died. The problem is that Zydelig decreases white blood cell counts and increases the risk of lung infections, which is why European health officials now recommend prophylactic antibiotics.
Need a Texas Zydelig Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is Zydelig?
Zydelig (generic: idelalisib) is a chemotherapy drug made by Gilead Sciences. It was approved in July 2014 for the treatment of three types of blood cancer that have relapsed (returned). It is used in combination with Rituxan (rituximab) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Zydelig is also approved for follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in patients who have received at least two prior treatments.
What is the problem?
In March 2016, Gilead Sciences halted six clinical trials after several patients died, according to a warning from the FDA. Gilead was testing Zydelig as a first-line treatment for CLL and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported an increased rate of deaths associated with infections in three clinical trials of Zydelig. Experts recommended antibiotics to offset the risk of lung infections.
Zydelig and Infections
Details of the deaths were not released, but low white blood cell counts are a common side effect of Zydelig that increases the risk of infection. According to European health officials, patients can contract Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia include cough (often mild and dry), fever, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath (especially with activity). It can be treated with antibiotics, but severe cases can cause respiratory failure and death.
Symptoms of Viral Infections
Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that spreads through close contact with body fluids. Most adults carry the virus by the time they are 40 years old, but it only causes problems in people with weak immune systems. Symptoms can include:
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
Zydelig Boxed Warnings
Zydelic has a “Black Box” warning label about the risk of many serious side effects, including liver toxicity, diarrhea and colon inflammation (colitis), lung inflammation (pneumonitis), and intestinal perforation.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, nausea, cough, pneumonia, abdominal pain, chills, rash, low white blood cell counts, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and elevated levels of liver enzymes.
Zydelig Class Action
Class actions are not designed to maximize compensation for individual plaintiffs with very serious injures. Instead, they are designed to maximize efficiency when a lot of people have relatively minor legal claims (seeking refunds, for example). Instead of a Zydelig class action, our Texas trial lawyers are filing individual lawsuits on behalf of people who were injured by pneumonia, serious infections, or other side effects.
Need a Zydelig Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Zydelig lawyers for a free lawsuit review.