Merck & Co. is facing a new drug injury claim alleging adverse shingle vaccine side effects that developed soon after the shot was introduced.

This shingles vaccine lawsuit was filed by a couple in Florida, alleging the husband developed adverse shingle vaccine side effects even though Zostavax was supposed to be a routine immunization.

Plaintiffs Steven M. and Fran M. allege Merck failed to disclose the full severity of the potential shingle vaccine side effects, preventing them from making an informed decision. Like many other patients over the age of 50, Steven received the Zostavax shot on Nov. 10, 2016 after it was ordered by his physician.

The Zostavax shot is meant to prevent shingles, a painful skin condition most commonly experienced by the elderly. The vaccine consists of a weakened chickenpox virus. By injecting this weakened strain, the immune system is better able to fight against shingles — thought to be caused by an adverse reaction to a dormant chickenpox virus.

Generally speaking, the likelihood of shingles is much higher in patients who have had chickenpox at some point in their lives. Even though the Zostavax shot is part of routine health, numerous patients have reported serious shingles vaccine side effects within six months of receiving the vaccination.

This was allegedly the case for Steven, who says he developed a rash and sharp throbbing pain on his buttocks just 10 days after administration of Zostovax. Steven says he was soon diagnosed with shingles, and opted to file legal action against Merck after discovering the full scope of the severity of the shingle vaccine side effects.

Overview of Shingle Vaccine Side Effects

While the development of shingles is included on the potential list of Zostavax side effects, many patients are unaware that their reactions could have been much worse. It has been alleged that the shingles vaccine is too potent for certain patients and can cause a multitude of serious reactions.

According to the FDA, patients have reported instances of blindness, paralysis, brain damage, and even death, prompting the agency to issue two black box warnings to Zostavax’s warning label. The warning label was further expanded in 2016, to include vision damage from eye inflammation.

According to the patient information sheet provided by Merck, potential shingle vaccine side effects include headaches, local reaction to the shot, fever, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and even chickenpox or shingles occurrence.

Other Zostavax complications reported to the FDA include gastrointestinal disorders, rashes, arthralgia, myalgia, anaphylactic reactions, and necrotizing retinitis.

Even though these shingle vaccine side effects were devastating to patients, Merck allegedly failed to disclose these risks to the public. At all times relevant, Steven and Fran say they relied on the marketing materials and patient information provided by Merck regarding potential Zostavax side effects.

Steven states that he would not have agreed to have the Zostavax injection administered if he had known how severe the shingle vaccine side effects could be.

This Zostavax Lawsuit is Case 6:18-cv-01572-RBD-TBS, in the U.S. District Court of Middle Florida, Orlando Division.