Florida GranuFlo lawsuit attorneys want Florida residents to be aware and informed of the lawsuits involving the dialysis drug GranuFlo. If you still have questions after reading this article, please contact Attorney Group for Florida for free help with your questions.
In 1994 and again in 2007, Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s largest dialysis group, marketed a chemical called GranuFlo for use in its kidney dialysis treatments. In November 2011, it has been alleged that the company sent a warning to its own doctors that GranuFlo was the likely cause of some 1,000 heart attacks that their patients in dialysis had suffered. The warning was not, however, sent out to other such dialysis clinics outside of the Fresenius network. In March 2012, it has been reported that an anonymous tip was sent to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informing them of the adverse effects that were correlating in GranuFlo users. After the tip to the FDA, Fresenius did issue a warning about the risks of GranuFlo to other dialysis clinics.
The GranuFlo lawsuit notes these risks with the use of GranuFlo:
- heart attack/death
- irregular heart beat
- excess carbon dioxide in the blood
- low blood pressure and oxygen and potassium blood levels
The GranuFlo lawsuit notes that when Fresenius put GranuFlo on the market, the company claimed it was similar to already marketed dialysis kidney treatments and thereby avoided extensive FDA testing for the new chemical. It also avoided chemical trials, which possibly could have caught what later turned out to be a serious problem. An estimated 400,000 patients reportedly have had serious side effects that could potentially be attributed to dialysis treatment with GranuFlo.
What is the Point of GranuFlo?
Thousands of Americans have dialysis treatments each year. Many of them are in late-stage kidney failure. The aim of dialysis treatment is to cleanse the blood system. To do so, the dialysis machine, among other things, neutralizes the acid that builds up in the blood. Before GranuFlo, this was typically done by using a liquid bicarbonate solution. However, Fresenius developed GranuFlo, a chemical in powder form that was easier and less expensive to ship and store. Fresenius was the only company with the dialysis bicarbonate in a powder form, which allowed personnel to mix their own solutions at the clinics instead of having to pay for drums of the pre-mixed solution. However, what allegedly remained undisclosed for a time was the fact that the powdered GranuFlo produced extra bicarbonate in the body and that produced extra acid, which was what dialysis was supposed to be removing. A disclosed internal memo later showed that the medical staff at Fresenius allegedly knew that the high acid levels put dialysis patients at a higher risk – six times higher – of a heart attack.
Florida GranuFlo Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or other problems after using GranuFlo or if a loved one has died as result of this chemical use, contact Attorney Group for Florida to be connected with Florida GranuFlo lawsuit attorneys. No one should suffer from allegedly undisclosed facts about a drug or chemical, or the damages that can be incurred afterward. The Florida GranuFlo lawsuit attorneys aim to seek compensation for those who have unknowingly become victims.
Attorney Group for Florida and the affiliated Florida GranuFlo lawsuit attorneys can explain the types of damages for which you may be eligible. You may be due compensation for past and continuing medical bills, for lost wages, and for pain and suffering. It is important to know your rights, and Florida GranuFlo lawsuit attorneys can help you understand what to do after being injured. Call today to find out if you have a claim. Our consultations are completely free and without obligation. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start the process of seeking compensation for your suffering. So contact Attorney Group for Florida today for your free consultation.
