As reports continue to surface regarding Xarelto side effects that could be life threatening for patients who take the blood thinner, the filing of lawsuits is also increasing in Arkansas and other states throughout the country. In May 2013, the Institute for Safe Medicines Practice issued a report that found Xarelto side effects were much higher than those of another blood thinner, Pradaxa.
Xarelto is an anti-coagulant prescribed to patients who suffer from an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. Patients with the condition are at increased risk for blood clots that could lead to stroke as atrial fibrillation disrupts the flow of blood through the heart. Before the development of Xarelto and other newer blood thinners, patients were prescribed warfarin. However, doctors found that warfarin was a difficult drug to take because dosage can vary depending on diet, age and other medications. In addition, patients must get blood tests at least once per month and watch their intake of Vitamin K, a substance that appears naturally in spinach, kale and chard. Xarelto did not require the frequent blood tests and did not react with Vitamin K, which is why many doctors switched patients to the new blood thinner.
All blood thinners come with a risk of bleeding, and one of the Xarelto side effects has always been an increased risk of bleeding similar to that of warfarin. However, doctors found that, unlike warfarin whose bleeds can be treated with Vitamin K to stop them, Xarelto has no antidote to stop the bleeding. The families of Arkansas residents, as well as many more from other states, have filed lawsuits against Bayer, the makers of Xarelto, after their loved ones suffered uncontrollable bleeding events that led to their death. In some cases, the Arkansas residents suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding, while others had bleeding on the brain. Many more patients suffered life-threatening injuries due to bleeding after taking Xarelto.
Lawsuit documents in the cases in Arkansas and other states contend that Bayer was aware of the risk of bleeding but failed to warn doctors or patients that one of the most dangerous Xarelto side effects was bleeding that could not be controlled. Although the medication did have warnings regarding the risk of bleeding, there was no warning that the bleeding may be uncontrollable or that there was no antidote to quickly stop the bleeding as there was with warfarin.
Suffering From Xarelto Side Effects in Arkansas?
If you or a loved one has suffered from Xarelto side effects, or if a loved one has died after taking the drug, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas for a free, no obligation consultation to learn what options you may have. You can reach us online or by telephone to see if a wrongful death or product liability case is warranted. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. Contact us today to learn more.
