Truvada Lawsuit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Truvada and what's TDF?

Truvada is an HIV medication manufactured by Gilead Sciences. It contains two drugs: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine. TDF is the component linked to kidney and bone damage. Truvada is used for both HIV treatment and HIV prevention (PrEP).

Which Gilead medications are part of the lawsuit?

The lawsuits cover all TDF-containing drugs:

• Truvada
• Viread
• Atripla
• Complera
• Stribild

What's the difference between TDF and TAF?

TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is the older, more harmful version. TAF (tenofovir alafenamide) is a safer formulation that requires lower doses to achieve the same effect. Lower doses mean less kidney exposure and less bone damage. The lawsuits allege Gilead developed TAF early but delayed releasing it to maximize TDF profits.

What injuries does TDF cause?

TDF is linked to:

• Kidney damage (chronic kidney disease, Fanconi syndrome, kidney failure)
• Bone loss (osteoporosis, osteopenia, fractures)
• Lactic acidosis
• Hepatic steatosis

I took Truvada for PrEP, not HIV treatment — can I file?

Yes. PrEP users who developed kidney or bone problems are part of the litigation. Many PrEP users took TDF for years before TAF-based alternatives became available.

I switched to a TAF medication years ago — can I still file?

Yes. The claims are about damage caused by TDF, not your current medication. Switching to TAF doesn't affect your eligibility for past TDF damage.

How do I know if I have kidney damage?

Common indicators include:

• Elevated creatinine in blood tests
• Low GFR (glomerular filtration rate)
• Protein in urine
• Glucose in urine (from kidney tubule damage)
• Phosphate wasting

Ask your doctor for kidney function tests if you've taken TDF medications.

How do I know if I have bone damage?

Bone damage is detected through:

• DEXA scans showing low bone mineral density
• History of fractures from minor trauma
• Bone pain
• Loss of height

Patients on TDF should have regular DEXA scans as part of their care.

Hasn't Gilead settled?

Not globally. The litigation continues with active cases in California and federal court. Some individual settlements may have occurred, but no comprehensive resolution has been reached.

How much could I receive?

Estimated settlement ranges:

• Severe (dialysis, transplant): $250,000 — $1,000,000+
• Significant (chronic kidney disease): $150,000 — $400,000
• Moderate (documented damage): $75,000 — $200,000
• Mild (early damage): $30,000 — $100,000

How much does it cost to file?

Nothing upfront. Truvada attorneys work on contingency. You pay nothing unless you receive compensation.

Will filing affect my HIV care?

No. Filing a lawsuit is independent of your medical care. You should continue working with your HIV specialist and following your prescribed treatment.

Do I need to stop taking my current HIV medication?

No. Don't stop your HIV medication without consulting your doctor. Most patients have safely switched to TAF-based alternatives. Filing a lawsuit doesn't require any change in treatment.

How long will my case take?

The Truvada litigation is in active phase. Cases typically take 2-4 years to resolve.

Will I have to testify?

Most plaintiffs will not need to testify. Only a small number of cases proceed to bellwether trials.

Can family members file for someone who died?

Yes. Wrongful death claims can be filed if a loved one died from kidney failure or other TDF-related complications.

What if I'm not sure exactly which medication I took?

Pharmacy records can identify your medications. Insurance records also document prescription history. Your attorney can help obtain these records.

I have HIV-related health issues — could those be from TDF?

Possibly. Some health problems attributed to HIV may actually be caused by TDF medications. An attorney can help evaluate whether your specific issues might be TDF-related.

Is there anything I should be doing besides filing?

If you've taken TDF medications, ask your doctor about:

• Switching to TAF-based alternatives
• Regular kidney function monitoring
• Bone density screening
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation

These steps protect your health while you pursue legal action.

Can I file if I'm currently in good health?

If you have any documented kidney or bone changes from TDF use, even subclinical, you may be eligible. Many TDF users develop damage that only shows in lab tests.