The potential exists for a Xeljanz lawsuit after the drug was linked to serious side effects, including severe infections and an increased risk of malignancy. Xeljanz is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, bad drug attorneys note.
If you or a loved one took Xeljanz and suffered serious side effects, contact Attorney Group for more information. We offer free, no obligation consultations. We can answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we connect you with an affiliated bad drug attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Xeljanz?
Xeljanz, generically known as tofacitinib citrate, is used alone or with other medications to treat moderate-to-severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints.
Xeljanz is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works deep inside the cell to disrupt activities occurring in signaling pathways. These JAK pathways are believed to play a role in the inflammation associated with RA.
Xeljanz is marketed by Pfizer, Inc., and was approved for use in 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An effort to expand its approval as a treatment for moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis was denied in 2015.
What are the Risks of Xeljanz?
The FDA’s drug safety data for Xeljanz states that patients treated with the drug are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Additionally, Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients treated with Xeljanz. Epstein Barr Virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder has been observed at an increased rate in renal transplant patients treated with Xeljanz and concomitant immunosuppressive medications.
Based on “the opinion that the benefits of Xeljanz did not outweigh its risks,” in 2013 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) denied approval for marketing of the drug.
In 2011, it was reported that 4 patients died during a study involving the active ingredient in the drug Xeljanz.
Other Xeljanz Side Effects
Serious reported side effects of Xeljanz include serious infections, cancer and immune system problems, tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines, and changes in certain laboratory test results.
Common reported Xeljanz side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, diarrhea, nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis).
Has There Been a Xeljanz Recall?
Despite the refusal of the EMA to approve marketing of the drug and the deaths reported during clinical trials, there has not been a Xeljanz recall in the U.S. However, the standard by which products are recalled and the legal standard by which product manufacturers are held liable for harms caused by their products are not the same. If Xeljanz lawsuits are filed based on evidence that the drug is defective and unreasonably dangerous, or that the drug maker failed to adequately of dangers associated with the drug, the ability of injured patients to bring and maintain those claims will not be affected by whether there has been Xeljanz recall.
Is There a Xeljanz Class Action?
There is no Xeljanz class action pending as of January 31, 2016. Xeljanz lawsuit attorneys are doubtful that a class action will be certified for patients who are adversely affected by the drug. Instead, if multiple Xeljanz lawsuits are filed against the drug makers alleging injuries and other damages caused by Xeljanz and similar drugs, it is anticipated that these lawsuits will be consolidated for discovery and other pretrial proceedings.
When cases are consolidated in this way in federal court it is called a multidistrict litigation (MDL), and on a state level it is known as a state court consolidated proceeding. MDLs are distinct from class actions, and it is generally agreed that consolidating cases instead of proceeding in a class action is a more efficient and effective way of handling claims arising from injuries caused by pharmaceutical products.
Have There Been Xeljanz Lawsuit Settlements?
Some cases settle early in the claims process, but it is not expected that there will be early Xeljanz settlements. In most cases that proceed in an MDL or state court consolidated proceedings, after a certain period of time initial trials, also known as bellwether trials, take place. The purpose of these trials is for the parties to get an idea of the types of evidence and arguments that will made, as well as to see how juries will respond to the evidence and arguments. After a certain number of cases have been tried, the parties are in a better position to determine whether a case can be settled.
It is expected that Xeljanz settlements will follow this pattern for any Xeljanz lawsuits that may be filed, although the outcome of any case is never guaranteed and past results are not necessarily predictive of future outcomes.
Xeljanz Case Update
- 2015 – The FDA refuses to approve Xeljanz as a treatment for moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis.
- 2013 – The European Medicines Agency refuses to approve Xeljanz for marketing.
- 2012 – The FDA approves Xeljanz for use in the U.S. to treat Rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2011 – News reports note 4 patients died during a study involving the active ingredient in the drug Xeljanz
How a Xeljanz Lawsuit Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Patients who are injured by Xeljanz may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Xeljanz, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking Xeljanz, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of a Xeljanz lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Have You Seen a Xeljanz Lawsuit Commercial?
You may have seen a Xeljanz lawsuit commercial on television and wondered whether you or a loved one have been affected by Xeljanz and, if so, whether you are eligible to pursue a claim against the manufacturer or others. The purpose of this article has been to provide you with additional information so that you have a better understanding of your options.
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
