Xarelto is a medication jointly manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Bayer. It was first introduced in 2011 after the FDA approved the drug for use in the treatment of stroke risk and blood clot risk. Physicians embraced it as an alternative anticoagulant therapy to Coumadin (warfarin). Now, over 4 million individuals are annually taking Xarelto. Sales of the blood thinner are reportedly approaching $1 billion per year.
Reports of Internal Hemorrhaging
Like the competing medication known as Pradaxa, Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is known to increase the risk of internal bleeding. However, lawsuits have alleged that patients were not always fully informed of the degree of risk that existed. Pradaxa lawsuits now number in the hundreds, and Xarelto lawsuits are increasing in number.
The FDA reported receiving hundreds of complaints regarding Xarelto side effects in 2013 alone. One of the problems cited is the lack of a “reversing agent” that could be employed to counteract the anticoagulant effect of the medication if a patient experienced internal bleeding. Such an antidote does exist for Xarelto’s predecessor, Coumadin. A doctor can administer Vitamin K to reverse the blood thinning effect in order to address bleeding or hemorrhaging. No such approved reversing agent exists for Xarelto at present. Some lawsuits allege that the inability to control internal bleeding has in fact lead to permanent injury or death in certain cases.
Lawsuits Being Filed in Larger Numbers
In Louisiana and other states, Xarelto lawsuits are being filed. Some complaints assert that Xarelto should be recalled until an appropriate, FDA-approved antidote is developed. The manufacturers have stated that they’ve been working with Portola Pharmaceuticals to develop such a substance, but no such substance has been approved thus far.
Some litigants have sought compensation under Louisiana law for unpaid medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. When loss of life has occurred, some survivors have filed wrongful death litigation that alleges that uncontrollable bleeding led to the loss of a loved one. Such suits typically seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering and other losses.
Injured from Xarelto Side Effects?
To discuss your options regarding Xarelto side effects and resulting lawsuits, please contact us at Attorney Group for Louisiana. We can answer your questions and if you wish, we can connect you with one of our affiliated lawyers who can assist you through the legal process. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
