Reports now link the drug rivaroxaban—a blood-thinner marketed under the brand name Xarelto—to thousands of injuries and deaths from uncontrollable internal bleeding and related medical complications.
Rivaroxaban may reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (a-fib), a type of heartbeat irregularity, as long as the condition is not caused by heart valve problem.
Although Xarelto provides an alternative to other anticoagulant drugs for a-fib patients, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. In addition, other drugs may provide the same benefits without the high risk of complications.
If you or a loved one has taken this drug and experienced life-threatening complications, the Knoxville Xarelto lawsuit lawyers at OEB Law, PLLC can help. We can make sure you understand your legal rights and discuss your options for seeking compensation for damages or wrongful death. Call us today at 865-546-1111 for a free case evaluation.
What are the primary risks of Xarelto?
By preventing the formation of blood clots, Xarelto reduces the risk of stroke in a-fib patients. Doctors also use this drug to treat pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
The primary benefit of Xarelto is that it does not require a modified diet or frequent blood testing like its counterpart, Coumadin.
But, while Coumadin’s effects are controllable, Xarelto’s are not. This means that if a patient develops uncontrollable bleeding while on Xarelto, doctors are powerless to stop it. In a similar situation with Coumadin, doctors can administer an antidote to stem the bleeding.
Uncontrollable gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common adverse events reported with Xarelto, along with potentially fatal brain hemorrhages. The most commonly reported issues include these complications:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding;
- Brain hemorrhage;
- Pulmonary embolism;
- Stroke;
- Excessive blood loss; and
- Deep vein thrombosis.
The foundation for legal claims against the drug’s manufacturer is not that these risks exist, but that Bayer and Johnson & Johnson, the drug’s manufacturer and distributor, failed to properly warn patients about the seriousness of these risks. These entities also failed to adequately warn patients that Xarelto has no antidote so, if uncontrollable bleeding does occur, doctors have no way to stop it.
In some cases, it is possible that the manufacturer and distributor also failed to properly advise doctors and other medical personnel of the risks of this blood thinner.
If you suffered uncontrollable bleeding or another adverse side effect after taking Xarelto, contact our office today. Our attorneys can review your medical records and go over the options you may have to recover damages.
What are the some of the legal problems associated with Xarelto?
The debate surrounding Xarelto’s safety began long before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for public use.
In a 2011 report, medical reviewers for the FDA recommended against Xarelto’s approval, citing safety concerns and a lack of proof of the drug’s efficacy. Despite these warnings, the FDA approved the drug for use and it hit the market.
Questions continued to swirl about the drug, as reports suggested that faulty testing equipment may have compromised the original clinical trials. The Institute of Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP) reported that, in 2015, rivaroxaban accounted for more patient injuries and deaths than any other drug.
Now, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer are facing a swarm of legal challenges. The Chicago Tribute recently reported that, according to pending legal actions, the companies allegedly misled consumers regarding the safety and efficacy of Xarelto as compared to Coumadin.
What are Xarelto multidistrict litigation and mass torts?
Multidistrict litigation (MLD) and mass torts are the most common—and most effective—legal actions available for pursuing complaints and damages for Xarelto-related injuries.
Mass torts refer to civil cases filed by multiple defendants against the same defendants. In a mass tort, plaintiffs stand as individuals rather than members of a large class.
This approach offers significant benefits to the plaintiff, but a few extra requirements. In a class action suit, every member of the class receives the same award, no matter how severe his or her damages may have been. In a mass tort action, the court determines your award individually based on your damages and the merits of your case.
This means our attorneys will build your legal case individually, using your medical records, testimony from subject matter experts, and any other resources necessary to support your claim. We will use this evidence to demonstrate that your injuries occurred as a result of using the drug and we will show that the drug manufacturer, distributor, or medical personnel who treated you failed to uphold their legal duty of care in some way.
Depending on the details of your injury, your claim may include any past medical bills, costs of future medical treatment and care, lost wages, loss of potential future income, and pain and suffering.
Speak to us today to determine what your rights are for seeking compensation. We can explain your options for proceeding with a Xarelto mass tort.
Find a Xarelto lawsuit lawyer help you.
If you or a loved one has suffered uncontrollable bleeding or other serious side effects attributable to Xarelto or another blood thinner, contact OEB Law, PLLC as soon as possible to learn about your options. The statutes of limitations restrict your timeframe to seek compensation for your injuries, so it is important that you act quickly.
Although you should never stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first, it is important for you to understand the risks associated with this drug. Speaking to our attorneys can help you determine the best course of action to protect your health and wellbeing.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case review with a faulty drugs lawyer. Call 865-546-1111 for a free case evaluation.