Zostavax, the anti-shingles vaccine manufactured by Merck has been found to not only cause shingles, but can also cause severe complications of shingles as well. The vaccine is composed of weakened live viruses intended to generate an immune response to prevent future shingles outbreaks. However, the live viruses can actually cause shingles. Since the FDA approval in 2006, more than 1,100 serious adverse events were reported with at least 90 of these associated with death. In addition to the risks of complications, Zostavax is alleged to provide minimal efficacy especially for elderly individuals over the age of 70.
Mary, a 72-year-old woman, received the Zostavax shingles vaccine. Afterward, she developed a very painful blistery rash on her left side and was diagnosed with shingles. Her doctor prescribed her Acyclovir and pain medication in the hopes this would resolve in a couple of weeks. While the rash did improve, her severe pain continued and was further diagnosed with a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN. For several months, she suffered severe debilitating pain that required the use of anesthetic skin patches, opioid narcotic pain medications, nerve pain medications, and follow-up visits with multiple physicians.
In Mary’s case, her shingles and painful complications were caused by the Zostavax vaccine. Her complications illustrate the shortcomings of the Zostavax vaccine.
The Zostavax shingles vaccine has been linked to the following complications:
- shingles
- post-herpetic neuralgia (the burning that continues long after the shingles rash clears)
- nerve pain
- vision loss
- retinitis (nerve damage to the eye’s retina)
- neurologic infections
- meningitis (nerve damage or inflammation to the brain and spinal cord)
- encephalitis (nerve damage or inflammation to the brain)
- disseminated varicella (when the shingles virus spreads to other organs)
- secondary bacterial infections from the shingles rash
- death
If you or a loved one have suffered complications from the Zostavax shingles vaccine, it’s imperative to take action now. At Potts Law Firm, your case will be investigated thoroughly. We will request the medical records on your behalf and our experienced medical team will analyze the records. In addition, a legal professional will be available to assist you with the entire process. For health and safety, as well as piece of mind, contact Potts Law Firm for a free legal consultation at (888) 420-1299
