Pulmonary Fibrosis Overview
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. Scar tissue on the lungs may cause them to become stiff, which interferes with their ability to function properly. Due to the stiffness of the lung tissue, it may become difficult to breathe or catch your breath. Due to this, your blood may not get enough oxygen.
Causes and Symptoms
Although it is known that the condition is caused by scar tissue, in many cases the cause of this scar tissue is unknown. In some cases, pulmonary fibrosis may be caused by medications, connective tissue diseases, environmental pollutants, or interstitial lung disease. One medication linked to lung toxicity and pulmonary fibrosis is amiodarone, a medication meant for the treatment of heart arrhythmias.
The damage caused to lung tissue by pulmonary fibrosis is not able to be reversed, and in some cases, the damage may become so severe that the patient requires a lung transplant. The condition primarily affects former or current smokers over the age of 50.
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis may include cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, lack of stamina, unexplained weight loss, aching muscles or joints, and fatigue. Low levels of oxygen in the blood due to diminished lung capacity may also cause the skin to take on a blue tint. The fingers and toes may also widen or round, called clubbing.
Treatment
While some treatments and medications may slow the progression of the disease or alleviate some of the symptoms, there is currently no treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The average life expectancy following a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is about 3 years. Some patients may survive as long as 5 years, and others may only live for a few months.
Recalls and Lawsuits
Victims who have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis following use of amiodarone may be to pursue compensation for their pain, suffering, and injuries. While amiodarone has not been recalled due to the drug’s association with pulmonary fibrosis, the FDA has added a black box warning alerting doctors and patients to the possibility of harmful side effects.
This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. In addition to the link between amiodarone and pulmonary fibrosis, the antiarrhythmic drug may also cause patients to suffer from side effects including lung toxicity, liver damage and liver disease, blindness and vision problems, and in some cases, death.
If you have taken amiodarone as part of a treatment plan for a heart arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation and have suffered from severe side effects including pulmonary fibrosis, you may qualify to hire an attorney and pursue compensation.
Victims who pursue compensatory damages through a class action lawsuit may be able to collect damages for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income or earning capacity, and other costs associated with their injuries.