Failure to Diagnose Plaquenil Toxicity
Holding providers responsible for failing to diagnose retinal toxicity
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Understanding Plaquenil Risks: Protecting Your Vision and Health
Plaquenil® (hydroxychloroquine), commonly used to treat autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, reduces immune responses but carries risks of serious side effects. One rare but severe complication is retinal toxicity, which can lead to permanent vision damage. Symptoms like blurred vision, color changes, or blindness often develop unnoticed, especially in patients on high doses, long-term use, or those with preexisting conditions.
Regular retina check-ups with an ophthalmologist are essential for early detection. If your doctor failed to monitor you for retinal damage and you’ve suffered complications, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Berman & Simmons is committed to helping victims seek justice and compensation for their injuries, medical costs, and lost wages.
Legal Help for Plaquenil-Related Vision Damage: What You Need to Know
Plaquenil® has helped many patients manage autoimmune conditions, but its potential to cause retinal toxicity can’t be overlooked. Doctors are required to monitor patients regularly for retinal damage, yet some fail to follow guidelines, leaving patients vulnerable to severe complications. Symptoms like skin rashes, blurred vision, or blindness often go undiagnosed until it’s too late. Berman & Simmons is handling claims for patients harmed by negligent monitoring while on Plaquenil. If you’ve experienced vision damage due to improper care, contact us to explore your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve.
Properly Diagnosing Plaquenil Toxicity
Some doctors have failed to carefully monitor the dosages they prescribe to patients and some ophthalmologists haven’t checked their patients for symptoms or adverse reactions to this drug. Patients have been unaware of the potentially devastating consequences.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests ophthalmologists regularly check their patients for Plaquenil toxicity with photos and the following tests:
- a visual field test to check if blind spots have developed in the field of vision
- OCT imaging, a three-dimensional image taken to look for early retinal damage
- a multifocal ERG test to see how retinal cells respond to light and to check for damage
FDA Warning About Plaquenil
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that irreversible retinal damage had been observed in some patients who received long-term or high dosages of Plaquenil for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. They recommended that doctors familiarize themselves with the medication label before they prescribe Plaquenil.
The FDA also suggested that patients who experience blurriness, color changes, light flashes, or streaks in their vision not connected to existing conditions stop taking the drug and be observed for worsening of these symptoms.
They also stated that the symptoms could progress after patients stop taking Plaquenil, and they should also be monitored periodically for muscle weakness. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who didn’t see reduced joint swelling or increased mobility in six months were recommended to discontinue use. The FDA also recommended testing for toxic damage to the retina.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
We’re ready to help you today. Call us for your free consultation.
Maine and other states have strict statutes of limitation for filing medical malpractice complaints, so it’s critical to consult with us as soon as possible if you think a dangerous drug or a medical error may have harmed you or a loved one.
If complications from Plaquenil have harmed you or someone you know, a lawyer at Berman & Simmons can help. We have the expertise and resources to make sure you receive full compensation and to hold manufacturers and medical practitioners responsible. You might be entitled to the following:
- Damages for your pain and suffering
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Repayment of lost earnings