When Xarelto and other newer blood thinners were
released to the public, they were touted as a better solution to prevent blood clots than Coumadin, also known as warfarin,
as the new drugs did not require the close monitoring
required of warfarin. Monitoring is required for patients who take blood thinners due to the risk of uncontrolled bleeding incidents. As incidents occurred with the new blood thinners, however, it became apparent that, unlike warfarin, there was no Xarelto antidote that would stop bleeding should it occur. In some cases, patients died even doctors could not control their bleeding after taking Xarelto.
Antidote Found
Recently, San Francisco-based Portola Therapeutics announced it was beginning Phase 2 of trials on a possible Xarelto antidote. The new drug, known as andexanet alfa, has shown promise in reversing anti-coagulation effects of Xarelto. The drug is still in clinical trials and Portola says that it will release results of the trials at the American College of Cardiology’s 64th Annual Scientific Session in March.
Xarelto Lawsuits
For some patients, the Xarelto antidote has been developed too late as Bayer, along with Johnson & Johnson, face a growing number of lawsuits from patients who suffered severe bleeding incidents, as well as families who lost loved ones when their bleeding could not be stopped. In the United States District Court of Vermont, a woman filed a lawsuit against Bayer in the death of her father after he died of an uncontrollable brain bleed after taking Xarelto. Other lawsuits have followed when patients either developed bleeding that caused them significant injury, or when loved ones died after a bleeding incident made worse by the drug.
Rush to Release
Some experts claim that Bayer along with Johnson & Johnson, rushed to release the blood thinners before there was a Xarelto antidote. Earlier this year, the makers of Pradaxa, a drug similar to Xarelto, entered a settlement agreement, agreeing to pay $650 million to resolve claims against them for uncontrolled bleeding. Therefore, it is expected that patients who suffered before there as a Xarelto antidote will still be eligible for lawsuits as their injuries occurred prior to the discovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured by uncontrollable bleeding, or a loved one has died of bleeding issues after taking Xarelto, contact Attorney Group today to learn whether you are eligible for a product liability, personal injury or wrongful death claim.
