Numerous patients have allegedly developed a severe reaction to shingles injection, which have left some with debilitating health complications possibly related to to their Zostavax vaccine. Merck & Co. has been facing intense scrutiny for this, with several patients already opting to file legal action after their own adverse reaction to shingles injection.

One of the most recent Zostavax lawsuits was filed by a couple from Pennsylvania, alleging the husband had developed a chronic adverse reaction to shingles injection that has severely impacted their health.

Plaintiff couple Anthony S. and Bridget S. conjointly filed this Zostavax lawsuit, alleging Merck failed to warn them and other consumers against all potential drug complications from the vaccine.

Zostavax Vaccine

According to his lawsuit, Anthony had received the Zostavax vaccine on Sept. 8, 2016, after receiving a prescription from his physician.

The Zostavax vaccine is commonly implemented to prevent shingles, which is thought to be caused by a dormant strain of chickenpox. If a patient has had chickenpox in the past, they are more likely to develop shingles later on in life.

The Zostavax vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox strain, which helps prepare the immune system against shingles development. However, Anthony reportedly developed an adverse reaction to the shingles injection soon after it was implemented.

According to the Zostavax lawsuit, Anthony reportedly developed double vision, constant headaches, and blurry vision after his vaccination. Anthony went to the doctor for these complications, and was diagnosed with sixth nerve palsy.

Anthony has since had to contend with his medical condition, and filed legal action after discovering other patients had also experienced an adverse reaction to the shingles vaccine.

Overview of Zostavax Complications

The FDA has warned against potential Zostavax complications for the past several years, and issued two black box warning changes to the drug’s warning label after receiving numerous injury reports. The FDA expanded the drug’s warning label to include vision damage and eye inflammation in 2016.

Patients who develop reactions to shingles injections can range in severity between patients, from mild muscle pain to death. The Zostavax complications reported include, but are not limited to:

• Blindness
• Paralysis
• Brain Damage
• Death
• Eye inflammation
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Rashes
• Arthralgia
• Myalgia
• Allergic Reactions
• Necrotizing Retinitis

The current Zostavax patient information sheet released by Merck states that patients could develop headaches, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, and even failure to prevent shingles. However the more severe reactions were allegedly left off the information sheet, which has earned Merck severe public scrutiny.

Even though these are very serious complications, Merck is accused of failing to warn the general public about them. At all times relevant, Anthony says he and his physician had relied on the product information and marketing materials provided by the company.

If Anthony had known about the potential reactions he could have from the shingles vaccine, he says he would not have agreed to have the Zostavax shot. Anthony is now seeking damages for multiple counts of negligence and failure to warn, as well as for all medical bills.

Patients who have suffered an adverse reaction to shingles injection may be able to file legal action against Merck, for failing to warn them that their health could be compromised.

Anthony’s Zostavax Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-03780-MAK, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.