When you received the Gardasil vaccine, you likely expected nothing more than a sore arm and the peace of mind that comes with cancer prevention. For millions of people, that’s exactly what happened. But for others, the injection brought unexpected symptoms that disrupted their lives in ways they never anticipated. If you or someone you love has experienced troubling health changes after receiving Gardasil, get in contact with a Gardasil HPV vaccine lawsuit attorney to find out if you have grounds for legal action against Merck, the vaccine’s manufacturer.
The Most Frequently Reported Gardasil Side Effects
Like most vaccines, Gardasil can cause reactions at the injection site and throughout the body. The manufacturer warns patients and providers about these common side effects, which typically resolve within a few days:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Redness or bruising where the shot was given
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Fainting shortly after vaccination
Rare and Serious Side Effects Associated with Gardasil
Beyond the common reactions, some individuals have reported more concerning symptoms. These side effects occur rarely, but when they do, they can signal a more serious reaction. If you experience any of the following after vaccination, seek medical care right away:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hives or skin rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe muscle weakness
Health Complications Linked to the Gardasil Vaccine
Since Gardasil received FDA approval in 2006, reports have emerged connecting the vaccine to serious, long-term health conditions. These complications have become the focus of ongoing litigation against the vaccine’s manufacturer. Patients who developed these conditions allege that Merck was aware of the risks but failed to disclose them.
These conditions include:
- Autoimmune Disorders: These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage to multiple organ systems. Disorders associated with Gardasil include lupus and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): This disorder of the autonomic nervous system causes an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing, leading to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): This serious blood disorder causes a dramatic reduction in platelet counts, which increases the risk of bruising, bleeding, and potentially life-threatening hemorrhage.
If you received one or more doses of Gardasil and were later diagnosed with a health condition linked to the vaccine, you may have grounds for legal action. An attorney can evaluate your medical records and determine whether you qualify for litigation.
Speak with a Lawyer About Your Gardasil Side Effects
You trusted that the Gardasil vaccine would safeguard your health, but instead, you’ve experienced debilitating symptoms that weren’t disclosed. Across the country, individuals are holding the manufacturer responsible for failing to adequately warn patients and physicians about potential risks.
Learning about these side effects is the first step; taking action to protect your rights is the next. Contact Estey & Bomberger, LLP at (800) 260-7197 to discuss your symptoms, your diagnosis, and whether you may have grounds for a Gardasil lawsuit.