Allergan Natrelle Breast Implant Lawsuit Filed Over ALCL Cancer Diagnosis
In a recently filed product liability lawsuit over Allergan’s Natrelle Silicone breast implants, a Virgina woman indicates that the macrotextured implants caused her to develop a rare form of cancer, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
The complaint (PDF) was filed last week in New Jersey Superior Court, but Michele Rea and her husband, Carl, indicating that Allergan concealed the potential ALCL cancer risk with Natrelle breast implants.
Rea indicates that an Allergan Natrelle Style 410 macrotextured breast implant was used during breast reconstruction surgery in January 2011, after she had a partial mastectomy of her right breast the year before due to breast cancer. She received the implant as a participant in a study to evaluate it’s safety and effectiveness, before it was approved by the FDA.
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Women may face a risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) from certain breast implants.
Learn More About this Lawsuit SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATIONThe lawsuit notes that Rea was given an informed consent form that was supposed to warn her of all the dangers of participating in the study. However, the form included no information regarding the risk of ALCL associated with textured breast implants, according to the complaint.
The complaint indicates that “unknown risks” section of the informed consent form did indicate that there was “no scientific evidence that silicone-filled breast implants can increase the risk of cancer in women”, which Rea claims was a false statement.
As early as 1996, Rea indicates that the first case of ALCL associated with silicone breast implants was reported. In addition, a retroactive analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in November 2008 highlighted 11 cases of ALCL between 1994 and 2006, concluding that the evidence indicated an association between the silicone breast implant and the ALCL cancer diagnoses.
On January 26, 2011, just five days after Rea underwent the procedure to receive the Natrelle breast implant, the FDA released a report warning that case studies and epidemiological research suggested there was a link between breast implants and ALCL. The lawsuit suggests that Allergan had to be aware of those case studies and research before Rea was given the informed consent form.
Even after the FDA warning, Rea indicates that Allergan failed to adequately warn patients or the medical community about the risks of its implants.
The FDA approved the Natrelle in 2013, and Rea was diagnosed with BIA-ALCL in May 2016.
“At the time the Allergan implants were placed into Mrs. Rea’s body, she was not advised, nor did she have any independent knowledge, that the Products were anything other than safe, life-long products. Nor was she advised that the product was associated and/or known to cause BIA-ALCL and that she would require future surgery and treatments,” the lawsuit notes. “If Mrs. Rea had been advised that implantation was associated with even the slightest risk of developing ALCL and/or BIA-ALCL she would not have proceeded with implantation of the Products.”
Breast Implant ALCL Cancer Warnings
The FDA issued a statement about emerging information about the breast implant lymphoma problems last year, and a number of subsequent studies have confirmed that the ALCL cancer risk is real. The issue appears to be linked specifically to the use of certain textured breast implants with larger surface areas.
In June 2017, a study published in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggested that certain textured breast implants may increase the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma anywhere from 10 to 14 times, when compared to smooth breast implants.
In October 2017, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Surgery warned that many breast implant cancer cases worldwide have likely not been reported, and noted that doctors and patients may not be aware of BIA-ALCL.
In March, the FDA indicated that it was aware of more than 400 cases of breast implant-related cancer. As more information becomes public about the breast implant cancer cases, experts have warned that the number of cases reported will likely increase significantly.
As regulators and researchers worldwide continue to evaluate the specific cause of the breast implant lymphoma problems, other women are also raising serious questions about why certain products appear to be more likely to be associated with the development of cancer, and how manufacturers failed to address potential design defects earlier.
Product liability lawyers in the U.S. are now reviewing other potential textured breast implant lawsuits for women diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which develops in the tissue surrounding the breast.
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9 Comments
NouraNovember 9, 2019 at 10:24 am
I had 410 natrelle macrotextured implants on may 2017, i am diagnosed with a high suspicious ALCL, i raised a lawsuit against Allergan in Lebanon because they refused to even welcome me at their office and the FDA did not even reply my emails. After the lawsuit Allergan tried to fraud me with a fake settlement to send me to a doctor yo remove the implants and do further biopsies, but after my inve[Show More]I had 410 natrelle macrotextured implants on may 2017, i am diagnosed with a high suspicious ALCL, i raised a lawsuit against Allergan in Lebanon because they refused to even welcome me at their office and the FDA did not even reply my emails. After the lawsuit Allergan tried to fraud me with a fake settlement to send me to a doctor yo remove the implants and do further biopsies, but after my investigations i found out that the hospital appointed for the surgery DOESNT HAVE the test for CD30 for ALCL at all!!!!!! It means that they were planning to get rid of the implants without doing any tests in order to tell me that the results are negative to neglect any responsibility of their product. I have to note that the 410 Natrelle macrotextured implant from Allergan is highly harmful and anyone who has it should remove it IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!
SheilaAugust 28, 2019 at 8:33 pm
I got my implants in mid August 2016. I have had pain in both, but more so in the right one since surgery. At first, thought it was the healing, then thought it was just me. They hurt. Nipples hurt, they are always like ice cubes, they are very tender to the touch of anything. Hurts to wear a bra, hurts to lay on them, etc. I got a letter today about the recall. HOLY CRAP!! Is this the issue? I [Show More]I got my implants in mid August 2016. I have had pain in both, but more so in the right one since surgery. At first, thought it was the healing, then thought it was just me. They hurt. Nipples hurt, they are always like ice cubes, they are very tender to the touch of anything. Hurts to wear a bra, hurts to lay on them, etc. I got a letter today about the recall. HOLY CRAP!! Is this the issue? I called but my Dr who did the surgery is out of office till Oct 2nd, and I got an appointment for that day. I don't want another surgery, but want them redone because this pain is not good! I even had a breast ultrasound as I was worried, and there is no way on earth my boobies can handle a mammogram, as I can't hardly touch the right one, let alone have it tugged, squeezed, etc. NO NO! I am not happy!! I have Fibromyalgia (have for years) and my recovery time on surgeries is not good, I can't have pain meds like most can, and not looking forward to this. Time off work, time off from daily activities, what a pain in the butt! I feel I deserve this all to be taken care of for free as well as be compensated for the time I spend for the initial surgery, and now the time for healing and time off work for the redo.
LindaAugust 27, 2019 at 7:48 am
I had breast augmentation 8/28/ 2013. I have the printed documentation kept in our safe. My surgeon has the best reputation in Sarasota, Florida. He recommended Natrelle 410 textured implant, quote "the Cadallac of implants, best on the market". We paid the extra cost for the best recommended by the best. They are simply perfect. I have an advanced osteoarthritis that has excelated over last thre[Show More]I had breast augmentation 8/28/ 2013. I have the printed documentation kept in our safe. My surgeon has the best reputation in Sarasota, Florida. He recommended Natrelle 410 textured implant, quote "the Cadallac of implants, best on the market". We paid the extra cost for the best recommended by the best. They are simply perfect. I have an advanced osteoarthritis that has excelated over last three years. .My PCP tells me at 58 I have the systems of disease of a 74 year old woman. I can tell you I expect compensation for not only replacement which they will exchange my implant, but there is cost of OR room anistesia and also removal. Besides I was informed in consult with my surgeon. "they will not be simenyatral and perfect dementions as they are now. This is clearly not acceptable. My family history on Mothers and Fathers side both died of cancer in the last year. I want a referral to attorney and pursue a lawsuit asap.
SHEILAAugust 1, 2019 at 4:17 pm
I received recalled implants in 2015. Very concerned. As a double mastectomy patient, the goal was to remove all concerns of cancer only to find out that it might happen anyway...? Very upset.. Not sure what to do. Would love to replace, but I have a feeling that it will be on my cost. That's not cool.
TarynJuly 31, 2019 at 10:47 pm
I have natrelle inspira textured implants but have no symptoms. However, I was not warned of the risk and when I had my implants placed 02/2018. If I was warned I would have gone with a different implant. The increased risk was already known by natrelle in 2018. Yet, natrelle chose to sell these without telling their customers. I paid $6800 for something that may kill me. I want them out and I[Show More]I have natrelle inspira textured implants but have no symptoms. However, I was not warned of the risk and when I had my implants placed 02/2018. If I was warned I would have gone with a different implant. The increased risk was already known by natrelle in 2018. Yet, natrelle chose to sell these without telling their customers. I paid $6800 for something that may kill me. I want them out and I feel like Natrelle should pay to replace them. I may have to pay out of pocket to remove them. It's not worth the risk of leaving them in.
ElizabethJuly 27, 2019 at 2:28 am
I had a double mastectomy in July 2017. I have the Allergan Natrelle Inspira Cohesive breast implants 325cc. I was diagnosed with two different cancers on January 4, 2017 with different breast cancers (one in each). In late 2017 my left side under the breast area, under the arm pit and out the back left shoulder blades started to fill uncomfortable. I’m now in chronic pain and on several muscle re[Show More]I had a double mastectomy in July 2017. I have the Allergan Natrelle Inspira Cohesive breast implants 325cc. I was diagnosed with two different cancers on January 4, 2017 with different breast cancers (one in each). In late 2017 my left side under the breast area, under the arm pit and out the back left shoulder blades started to fill uncomfortable. I’m now in chronic pain and on several muscle relaxers and pain meds to just get some relief. Is this breast implant on the recall list? Does anyone have this type and experiencing problems? Nicki. I have a pain in my left side that’s hard to explain to doctors. And I have the chills continuously
CarolJuly 25, 2019 at 8:18 pm
I hane the Natrelle 410 in both breasts. I got them in 2016 , july of 2018 i had a massive fluid buildup on the right side, i had it drained and to be on the safe side the Dr. replaced the implant too. Said everything came back ok. Now about 3 weeks ago i felt a small lump next to my right implant, the dr's say it's scar tissue. I prsy its nothing!!!
NickiMay 8, 2019 at 12:15 am
My Plastic surgeon knew about the risks but saw no need to tell me about the risks. I have the Allergan Natrelle porous silicone implants and my Plastic surgeon implanted them on February 4th, 2019. It is now May 7th, 2019 and have found several large and painful lumps from a garbonzo size lumps to walnut size. I am terrified!! I see my Oncologist Dr. tomorrow, 5-8-19. I have had continual pain an[Show More]My Plastic surgeon knew about the risks but saw no need to tell me about the risks. I have the Allergan Natrelle porous silicone implants and my Plastic surgeon implanted them on February 4th, 2019. It is now May 7th, 2019 and have found several large and painful lumps from a garbonzo size lumps to walnut size. I am terrified!! I see my Oncologist Dr. tomorrow, 5-8-19. I have had continual pain and burning in both breasts, as well as the worst sort of chills I have ever experienced. I'm scared to death....!!! I never would have known had I not seen them on the nightly news.
kimberlyMay 7, 2019 at 1:28 am
I have the same implants as listed in this article, the Natrelle silicone and I am now very concerned after reading this article.