Textured Breast Implants Recalled Due to Cancer Link
August 22, 2019
Global pharmaceutical company, Allergan, has issued a worldwide recall of their textured breast implants and tissue expanders, which have been linked to a rare type of cancer known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the drug company about the link to BIA-ALCL, and urged the company to voluntarily recall the products, Allergan complied and issued the global recall. While only a small percentage of these implants are sold in the United States, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of women have these implants. It is important for women to understand the risks and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of BIA-ALCL.
According to the FDA, less than five percent of Allergan textured implants are sold in the United States. The specific products that have been recalled include the following:
- Natrelle Saline-filled breast implants
- Natrelle Silicone-filled breast implants
- Natrelle Inspira Silicone-filled breast implants
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-filled breast implants
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs
Important Information Breast Implant Patients Should Know
The FDA first became aware of a possible link between breast implants and BIA-ALCL in 2011. Women who have the Allergan breast implants should talk to their doctor about the symptoms of BIA-ALCL so that they can begin to monitor the area for any changes. Currently, the FDA does not recommend removing the implants unless the woman has started to develop symptoms of the disease. Common symptoms of BIA-ALCL include the following:
- Fluid buildup around the breast implant
- Swelling or pain near the implant
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the armpit
Based on recent statistics reported to the FDA, there have been 573 cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, 33 of which have been fatal. According to the FDA’s principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs, once they became aware that Allergan’s textured breast implants were linked to cases of cancer, they took immediate action to notify the company and request a global recall.
It is also important for patients to realize that breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. Health care providers have a responsibility to explain the benefits and risks of breast implants, including the possible complications and the reality that they may need to be removed after a period of eight to 10 years. Failing to provide this information can put the patient’s health at risk.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Patients with BIA-ALCL
If you or a loved one has symptoms of BIA-ALCL, you are urged to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our skilled legal team will protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
