A 2015 lawsuit claimed that amiodarone pulmonary toxicity is a known side effect of the drug but patients were not sufficiently warned by the drug manufacturer.

Amiodarone, also sold under brands name Pacerone and Cordarone, is an oral tablet and injection medication used to treat cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. When these heart rate irregularities are life threatening and other medications haven’t worked, amiodarone may be given to patients to control their condition.

The medication is part of the drug class of antiarrhythmic agents which regulate heartbeats by helping the cells in the heart that control muscle contraction. By regulating these cells, amiodarone helps to promote a regular, healthy heartbeat.

In 2015, five plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against numerous drug manufacturers claiming that their deceased mother Shirley J. died after she suffered from amiodarone pulmonary toxicity. Shirley was reportedly prescribed amiodarone to help treat her atrial fibrillation.

In 2012, Shirley allegedly started to experience severe side effects including shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, tiredness, weakness, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, decreased concentration, and depression. Her amiodarone side effects allegedly started to lead to vision deterioration, stomach pains, leg cramps, chest discomfort, and severe pain.

“From the short time she took amiodarone, [Shirley] went from an active able bodied woman who lived independently, to a woman bedridden, depending on the charity of others to tend to her needs,” the amiodarone lawsuit claimed.

After experiences these and other symptoms, Shirley allegedly brought the issue up with her doctor. The doctor reportedly tested her lungs for toxicity and told her that “her lungs looked perfect”. However, the test was allegedly read wrong. Little did she know, she was actually suffering from amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity.

Pulmonary toxicity is the general term used for when amiodarone damages lung tissue. The drug can reportedly lead to a variety of lung problems including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and interstitial pneumonitis (IP).

Due to the development of amiodarone lung toxicity, Shirley reportedly died in November 2012.

Shirley’s family claimed that she was not provided with updated warnings that would have informed her that she was experiencing severe side effects from amiodarone. Although drug manufacturers have been ordered to provide amiodarone medication guide outlining symptoms, risks, and approved uses, Shirley was allegedly not provided with this guide.

“Had Zydus provided Shirley [J.] the Medication Guide, she would have been aware of the serious lung related side effects that could lead to death as well as other issues and she would not have taken Amiodarone,” the amiodarone lung toxicity lawsuit claimed.

The plaintiffs claimed that their mother’s illness was completely avoidable and could have been managed if Shirley and her doctor were aware of the risks associated with the amiodarone.

Amiodarone Side Effects

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is caused by damage to the lung’s membranes and IP, the most common (and the most dangerous) form of amiodarone lung toxicity, is caused by fluid accumulation and inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. When a person suffers from ARDS, their lung’s air sacs become damaged and fill with fluid. This makes it difficult to breathe, and typically necessitates that the patient be placed on ventilators. The ARDS mortality rate is around 50 percent.

Symptoms of ARDS include, at varying intensities:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Labored and unusually rapid breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion and extreme tiredness

Pulmonary toxicity from amiodarone can also include pneumonia and pulmonary masses, according to Verywellhealth.com, although these conditions are less common.

Another form of pulmonary toxicity, though less common, is “typical-pattern” pneumonia. This means that localized congestion produces similar symptoms to bacterial pneumonia, which can mean that diagnosis of the actual issue—pulmonary toxicity—may be delayed.

Filing an Amiodarone Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from amiodarone pulmonary toxicity after taking the anti-arrhythmic drug, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these medical complications, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while also dealing with health problems, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

The Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity Lawsuit is Case No. 3:15-cv-00749-bbc in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.