HomeDallas Xarelto Injury Attorney The prescription drug Xarelto, prescribed as a common blood thinner, has been cited in numerous cases where it is believed to have caused serious injury or death. Prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must disclose all serious side effects fully, and manufacturers are liable for warning doctors and patients of any potential risks. There are many legal claims now citing that Xarelto’s manufacturer, Bayer, and marketer, Johnson & Johnson, failed to warn doctors and patients of the risk of uncontrolled bleeding associated with Xarelto use.
Xarelto has been on the market in the United States since July 2011 and is used as a blood thinner or anticoagulant. It is commonly prescribed as an alternative to Warfarin and is used for patients with irregular heartbeats to reduce the risk of stroke, patients recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery, and for patients with a risk of pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).
There are general risks that come with taking any blood thinner, including Xarelto. Blood thinners can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. However, these are generally accepted risks because many patients on blood thinners are already susceptible to these problems.
Anticoagulants like Xarelto increase the overall risk of bleeding in the body. Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most commonly cited adverse side effects that occur in patients taking Xarelto. Problems like severe hemorrhaging are also possible, especially during surgery or during an unexpected trauma such as a car accident.
After several complaints of an increase in pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis, as well as other bleeding-related injuries, the FDA issued a “black box warning.” This type of warning is the highest level of risk and identifies serious side effects that should be used to weigh the benefits of the use of a certain medication against risks.
The two warnings on Xarelto mention that stopping the drug before its prescribed duration is up can increase the risk of developing blood clots, while the second warning mentions that Xarelto has been known to contribute to serious head and spinal injuries. Neither of these prominent warnings addresses uncontrolled bleeding — these warnings are found in the regular side effects, risks, and warnings.
There are now several lawsuits against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson, as well as other manufacturers of blood thinners similar to Xarelto, claiming injuries related to uncontrolled bleeding conditions. In these lawsuits, patients and their families are claiming damages that may include the following types of compensation:
Patients who have suffered any bleeding-related condition after taking Xarelto may be eligible to file a lawsuit for damages related to their treatment. Families whose loved one died of a pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, or other bleeding-related disorder after taking Xarelto may be eligible for compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
There are many dangerous prescription drugs on the market that can cause serious, even fatal side effects even with proper use. Failure to warn of adverse effects can result in a lawsuit filed against a doctor, a pharmacy, or in most cases, a drug manufacturer.
Dallas dangerous drug attorney Julie Johnson is here to help you review your medical records and determine if you have a claim after you believe you suffered injuries after taking Xarelto. Contact us online or call our office today at 214-290-8001 to schedule a free consultation regarding your right to recovery.