Gardasil HPV Vaccine - How Safe is it?

Gardasil is a drug developed by Merck & Co as a vaccine for certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV). The vaccine has recently come under scrutiny as a result of studies linking it with a number of potentially fatal side effects.

Marketed as a preventative measure against the spread of HPV-induced cervical cancer, Gardasil gained approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. Studies have determined that approximately 80% of all women will have been exposed to multiple strains of HPV by age 50. HPV vaccines like Gardasil have therefore been developed with the intent of providing a safeguard to women starting as early as age 11. The unfortunate reality of such vaccines is that they may potentially do more harm than good.

HPV vaccines like Merck & Co’s Gardasil have recently been added to the list of vaccines covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The vaccine compensation program was established in 1986 to provide monetary aid to victims of vaccine side effects.

Gardasil Side Effects

Although approved for use by the FDA, Gardasil has been associated with a number of serious side effects. More than 3,400 complaints of serious Gardasil side effects and complications have been registered, including eight deaths that are being investigated in relation to use of Merck & Co’s HPV vaccine.

Some of the commonly reported Gardasil side effects include:

• Blood clots
• Seizure
• Paralysis
• Bells palsy
• Guillain-Barre syndrome

Pregnant women taking the Gardasil vaccine have also reported experiencing serious side effects. Almost half of the pregnant women who received Merck & Co’s HPV vaccine experienced fetal abnormalities, the most serious of which resulted in spontaneous abortion.  

Gardasil Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using Gardasil, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Drug manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products. Failure to adequately gauge potential side effects and keep consumers informed is viewed as negligent and grounds for legal action. Questions have been raised as to Merck & Co’s level of responsiveness to Gardasil side effect reports. Certain parties believe that the pharmaceutical company has not kept consumers adequately informed of the risks associated with Gardasil use.

The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury attorneys Pensacola, Florida has to offer. Contact the lawyers of AWKO LAW today to get more information about your rights as a Gardasil victim by contacting the firm toll free at (877) 810-4808.