No discussion about the side effects of Complera—a combination Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) medication—would be helpful without an understanding of its most active ingredient. As indicated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is one of three HIV drugs combined into a single dose of Complera. The other two include Emtricitabine and Rilpivirine.

How Do The Three Drugs in Complera Work Together?

TDF and Emtricitabine are part of a class of meds known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Rilpivirine is part of a class known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Both of these, according to DHHS work to block an HIV enzyme known as reverse transcriptase.

This enzyme suppression works to keep HIV from replicated itself within the body, reducing the anatomical viral load. While it is not a cure, it purportedly allows for an HIV patient to live longer than was previously thought possible and reduces the chance of transmission from one person to another.

Why Is TDF The Subject of Class Action Lawsuits Against the Manufacturer?

The known side effects of Complera are more than likely related to TDF which has been quite controversial and the subject of a class action lawsuits against Gilead Sciences—the drug’s manufacturer. Back in a May 2018 article, POZ.com referred to a class action lawsuit initiated by attorneys for two California men funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

The lawsuit concerned the allegations that Gilead withheld further research on a less potent and thus less dangerous version of TDF known as tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) until the original patent was exhausted.

Purportedly, the pharmaceutical company knew when the TDF was switched into a more marketable pill format upon their purchase of the formulation, it would take a very large dose to be effective. Because of this, the extra amount would have to be absorbed by the kidneys and skeletal structure.

The men in this lawsuit—Michael L. and Jonathan C.—developed bone and kidney problems as a result of staying on TDF as an only alternative for 11 and 10 years, respectively. Michael developed osteopenia and osteoporosis of his spine, neck, and hips.

Jonathan developed a rare kidney disorder along with osteopenia and osteoporosis. The class action lawsuit aims to represent HIV patients forced to take TDF-based meds between October 2001 and 2015 when TAF finally became available as Genvoya.

As indicated in an April 2019 Aids Health article, a personal injury lawsuit has also been filed by in Superior Court of the State of California by 41 litigants across the country living with HIV for suppression of safer TAF medications at the expense of their health.

So What Are the Side Effects of Complera and Other TDF Drugs?

According to Healthline.com, oral TDF drugs like Complera can decrease bone density and cause the bones to become brittle and subject to easy fracturing. Additionally, the burden on the kidneys can slowly reduce their ability to function at optimal levels and produce damage to these organs. Sometimes, this happens asymptomatically until quite advanced.

Another issue those who take Complera should be aware of is a build-up of lactic acid in the blood. Symptoms of this condition include stomach pain and weakness, dizziness, trouble catching one’s breath, muscle pain, and rapid heartbeat.