What is Xarelto?

Xarelto Side EffectsXarelto (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.

A Xarelto lawsuit was filed against Bayer AG and Janssen, makers of the drug, alleging Xarelto side effects include an increased risk of bleeding events.

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.

Side Effects of Xarelto

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.

They include, but are by no means limited to:

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

History of Xarelto

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 lawsuit also includes allegations that the defendants did not properly warn patients about the lack of an antidote to Xarelto, which therefore increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

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.

Xarelto Lawsuits & Our Attorneys

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.

You make the decisions, but we can help you make informed decisions — and you are not alone.

Attorney David Mann

Attorney David MannBefore leading his own firm, Mann served for several years as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, which gives him unique insight into how insurance companies work. He uses this critical knowledge as an advantage for his clients. He is a tough negotiator and litigator, and he is exceptionally strategic in building cases on behalf of personal injury victims.[ Attorney Bio ]

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