Allergan, a pharmaceutical company based out of Dublin, Ireland, is initiating a worldwide recall of their Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders. An alarming amount of people who have had these implants have developed Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare type of lymphoma typically found in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant.
The History of Allergan Cases
The number of these cases has rapidly increased over the past couple of years. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 573 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported as of this month, which is up from 457 reported cases in February. The rapid increase in cases led FDA to request for the removal of Allergan products off of the market.
Those who were diagnosed with this lymphoma had their implants for several years before complications arose. In some cases, BIA-ALCL has proved to be fatal if not caught and treated early. In fact, the FDA reported that 33 people have died as a result of BIA-ALCL. Due to these issues, many people have filed product liability suits against Allergan for negligence and failing to communicate the risks of their products.
Symptoms and Treatment
There are numerous symptoms associated with BIA-ALCL that at-risk individuals should be know about. Some of these include:
- Swelling
- Fluid surrounding an implant
- Lumps
- Asymmetry in the size or shape of the breast
- Redness surrounding the area.
In the event that someone experiences any of these symptoms, it is imperative to consult a doctor about further evaluation. For those diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, treatment usually requires the removal of the implants and scar capsule, and can also include additional methods—such as radiation or chemotherapy to expel the lymphoma. Those who catch BIA-ALCL at an early stage have a much higher rate of not having further complications.
Contact an Attorney for Assistance with a Claim
If you or a loved one has received a breast implant surgery and have developed BIA-ALCL, it might be in your best interest to contact a compassionate and seasoned attorney to help you with evaluating your case and determining if you can pursue a claim.
Our tenacious and hardworking attorneys at Whitley Law Firm are well-versed in product liability law and want to hold companies like Allergen accountable for their negligent actions. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
