A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology has called into question Xarelto safety over Warfarin, both blood-thinners used in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation. For many years, patients have been told that Xarelto is safer than Warfarin, but the new study indicates that may not be the case.
Canadian Study
The study, conducted at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Ontario, found that safety profiles for three anti-coagulants, Xarelto, Warfarin and Pradaxa, were nearly identical. This calls into question the claims by the manufacturers of Xarelto that their product is significantly safer than Warfarin. Xarelto safety has come into question after several patients died of uncontrollable bleeding while using the product. 
Xarelto Safety
While all blood thinners carry a risk of bleeding, Xarelto is especially problematic as there is no known antidote to stop bleeding when it occurs. A high dose of Vitamin K can stop bleeding in patients who are taking Warfarin, causing many doctors to question Xarelto safety. There have been reports of patients bleeding to death or suffering severe injury when doctors are unable to slow or stop bleeding after taking Xarelto. Earlier this year, the makers of Xarelto settled lawsuits that claimed they failed to warn patients of the bleeding problems the drug posed, agreeing to pay $650 million to over 4,000 patients who had suffered injury or lost a loved one to a bleeding incident. However, more lawsuits are pending against the manufacturer, claiming that safety issues do not justify its use over other drugs.
Blood Monitoring
Xarelto safety is not the only reason manufacturers have promoted its use over Warfarin. Patients who take Warfarin, also known as Coumadin, must undergo periodic blood testing. The manufacturers of Xarelto claimed that their product didn’t need constant monitoring, although many experts are now suggesting that monitoring is necessary with the drug. The Canadian report and the fact that there is no known antidote for stopping a bleeding event on a patient taking Xarelto shows that the newer drug is not more beneficial than Warfarin.
A United States Judicial Panel is determining whether to centralize Xarelto cases under one judge, which would coordinate pretrial proceedings.
Have You Suffered From Bleeding After Taking Xarelto?
If you or a loved one has been injured after taking Xarelto, or if a loved one has died from a bleeding incident after taking Xarelto, you may be eligible for a product liability or wrongful death claim. Contact Attorney Group to learn more today. Attorney Group can evaluate your case with no out-of-pocket cost to you and can refer you to one of our affiliated attorneys who can file a Xarelto lawsuit on your behalf. Attorney Group can help you get a monetary compensation for your losses if you have an eligible claim against Xarelto.
