Xarelto

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant, more commonly known as a blood thinner, that prevents the formation of blood clots. Xarelto is used to prevent or treat a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery. Xarelto is also used in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot.

The plaintiff in the Xarelto lawsuit alleges that Bayer AG and Janssen did not adequately warn about the risks associated with it.

Xarelto, also known by its generic name as Rivaroxaban, is a “new-generation” anticoagulant, in a class of drugs known as direct thrombin inhibitors. These blood thinners are used specifically to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes. Xarelto was additionally marketed as being easier to use than Warfarin (also known more commonly as Coumadin), which is an older anticoagulant, because it does not require the same level of medical monitoring that is required with Coumadin.

It has been reported that Xarelto has been linked to incidences of increased risk of uncontrollable bleeding (hemorrhaging). Although a risk of hemorrhaging exists with many blood thinners, Warfarin (Coumadin) has an antidote in that can reduce the risk of uncontrollable hemorrhaging. In general it has been found that the “newer generation” blood thinners do not have such an antidote. This means that very minor injuries — including minor cuts or undetectable internal bleeding– can result in uncontrolled bleeding, which can often be fatal. If you or a loved one has experienced such complications, you may need to consult with a wrongful death lawyer for guidance.

In addition, there are many alleged medication injuries that may be associated with Xarelto.

• Stroke
• Retinal hemorrhages
• Death
• Epidural hematoma
• Intracranial hemorrhages
• Pulmonary embolism
• Hemoglobin decrease
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhages
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Adrenal bleeding.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xarelto in 2011. The lawsuit filed against Bayer and Janssen alleges that Xarelto is linked to severe and/or fatal bleeding events because the patient’s blood does not properly clot, allowing uncontrollable hemorrhaging due to even seemingly minor cuts.

The FDA issued a warning letter to the maker of Xarelto in 2013, noting that a print advertisement for Xarelto made a misleading claim by minimizing the risks associated with the drug. Specifically, the FDA warned that including the benefits information without including any of the risks section (or emphasis there on of the possible risks) made it appear as though there were no significant risks associated with the drug. The agency also made serious note that the most common risks, such as bleeding complications, should be thoroughly assessed through comprehensive drug testing.

It is important to understand that Xarelto and Pradaxa (another anticoagulant medication) do not have an antidote at this time for the serious issues of uncontrolled bleeding which may result in some, if not many, of the above listed serious injuries. The makers of both drugs are currently in lawsuits for failing to warn about the lack of an antidote to the drugs.

If you or a loved one has encountered these drugs and have experienced any of the side effects listed above, please contact our office for a free and confidential consultation regarding your possible claim. Our personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand the complexities involved in these cases and your possible claims against the manufacturers of these drugs.

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