File: test tubes in front of the AstraZeneca logo (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
The pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca faces a group of people affected by its Covid-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom. The plaintiffs suffered thrombocytopenia thrombosis syndrome (TTS) following receiving a dose of this vaccine. Now, its lawyers say the company has acknowledged this possibility in legal documents. Despite this, the company maintains its position regarding these rare side effects.
The laboratory, as reported by the British media The Telegraph, admitted in February that its formulation “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS,” as expressed in a legal document submitted to the country’s Supreme Court. The High Court of the United Kingdom received 51 cases from people who claim to have suffered from these conditions or their relatives. This recognition opens the door to compensation of up to 100 million pounds (regarding 117 million euros) for those affected.
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Thrombocytopenia thrombosis syndrome or TTS is a serious side effect. It consists of the formation of blood clots and a low count of platelets (essential cells in coagulation) and several scientific studies associate it with vaccines with non-replicating adenovirus vectors once morest covid-19, such as the one manufactured by AstraZeneca .
During 2021, the Ministry of Health suspended the administration of the Vaxzervia vaccine, manufactured by AstraZeneca, following the publication of data on its effectiveness in the elderly and its relationship with a certain type of thrombosis. Permits restarted on March 24, 2021 only for people 60 years of age and older. Vaxzevria vaccine is contraindicated in people who have experienced thrombotic events with thrombocytopenia (TTS) following the first dose and in those who have a history of having suffered from systemic capillary leak syndrome.
According to AstraZeneca, “major blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) have been observed very rarely (with a frequency of less than 1 in 100,000 vaccinated individuals).” However, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or persistent headache, blurred vision, confusion, or seizures (seizures).
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, leg pain, or persistent abdominal pain.
- Unusual skin bruises or round, pointed spots beyond the vaccination site.
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FILE: A vial labeled “AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine” in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
The laboratory also records other possible side effects, from highest to lowest probability. Very common side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people and include:
- Tenderness, pain, warmth, or scratchiness at the injection site.
- Feeling of general malaise.
- Feeling tired (fatigue).
- Chills or feverish feeling.
- Headache or dizziness (nausea).
- Joint or muscle pain
Common symptoms (which may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include inflammation or redness of the application area, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, pain in the legs or arms, and flu-like symptoms (high temperature, sore throat). throat, runny nose, chills…).
Uncommon side effects affect 1 in 100 people and include drowsiness or feeling dizzy, abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, excessive sweating, itchy skin, rash or hives.
The vaccine can cause severe allergic reactions in some patients, as well as severe swelling of the lips, mouth and throat, although these are extremely rare experiences.