Get the facts about Xarelto® blood thinner lawsuits from the professionals at Hollis Law Firm.
Xarelto® is a new type of oral anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that was developed by Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a New Jersey based unit of Johnson & Johnson). Xarelto was originally approved by the FDA for use as a blood thinner for patients who were at-risk of blood clots after undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. A fast-track regulatory review by the government made it possible for doctors to prescribe the drug for patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots can obstruct the flow of blood to important organs such as the brain and lungs. Blood thinners, such as Warfarin, were developed in the 1950s to help prevent these blood clots in at-risk individuals. Like other anticoagulants, Xarelto is designed to prevent clotting. However, the older anti-coagulation drugs are prescribed in several doses over a period of time, and Xarelto is prescribed to be taken in one dose, which can increase the risks of adverse drug interactions with other anticoagulant drugs.
Xarelto has been found to cause more internal abdominal bleeding than Warfarin. Unlike Warfarin, there is no antidote for Xarelto, so if bleeding occurs, it will continue uncontrollably, until the drug is no longer in the system. The drug cannot be flushed out of the system using dialysis and in some cases, the uncontrollable bleeding can be fatal. Severe bleeding complications have been reported by patients, leading to numerous lawsuits against the manufacturers of Xarelto.
The irreversible bleeding caused by Xarelto can lead to expensive medical bills, dangerous injuries, and even death. Some individuals and/or their families have filed lawsuits for the physical, emotional, and financial sufferings caused by this drug.
If you would like to learn more about medical lawsuits relating to drugs such as Xarelto, the Hollis Law Firm is available to answer any questions you may have. Our team of attorneys will review your case and if it is advisable to file a Xarelto lawsuit, will help you understand the legal process. Complete the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (800) 701-3672 to get started.
What is Xarelto?
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner, also known as an anticoagulant medication, designed to prevent the formation of blood clots. It is used to treat and reduce the risk of blood clots and their complications in adults with clotting risk factors. Xarelto is a “new-generation” anticoagulant in a class of drugs known as direct thrombin inhibitors. It was approved by the FDA in 2011 and is marketed as being easier to use than Warfarin (Coumadin), which requires medical monitoring.
Xarelto Uses
Xarelto is used to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is also used in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot. Additionally, Xarelto is used to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. The FDA has also approved Xarelto for general use, meaning that doctors can prescribe Xarelto to any patient vulnerable to DVT or pulmonary embolism.
Xarelto Side Effects
Xarelto can cause serious side effects, including severe bleeding, internal bleeding, and uncontrolled bleeding. Other common side effects include bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The drug has recently been linked to serious bleeding and complications with wound infections and leakage. The symptoms of serious bleeding that may occur with taking Xarelto include heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Bleeding as a result of taking Xarelto can be irreversible and can lead to hospitalizations and death.
Blood Thinner Risks and Complications
Blood thinners like Xarelto can cause trouble on two fronts. On the one hand, most patients who take blood thinners do so because they need them, and these patients may face an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. On the other side, blood-thinning medications can lead to an increased risk of bleeding-related injuries, including gastrointestinal bleeding and severe hemorrhaging. Complications can also arise during surgery or following an accident that results in serious bleeding.
Xarelto Lawsuits and Litigation
Thousands of patients who say they’ve been seriously injured by Xarelto (rivaroxaban) have filed lawsuits against drug companies for compensation. Others alleged their loved ones suffered fatal injuries as a consequence of taking the anti-clotting drug. The lawsuits claim that the manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the risks of severe bleeding associated with Xarelto. The lawsuits also claim that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions for the use of Xarelto. The lawsuits seek compensation for the injuries and damages suffered by the plaintiffs.
Eligibility for a Xarelto Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has encountered Xarelto and experienced any of the side effects listed above, you may be eligible to file a Xarelto lawsuit. To be eligible, you must have suffered from severe bleeding or other side effects from taking Xarelto, or you or a loved one must have been prescribed Xarelto and suffered from severe bleeding or other side effects. Additionally, you or a loved one must have died as a result of taking Xarelto. If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to file an Xarelto lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
