Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is an example of a drug that is often prescribed but can harm some people very seriously.
What is Xarelto Prescribed For?
Xarelto is a blood thinner like Warfarin and Coumadin. As a blood thinner it can set off a bad situation where the patient is bleeding internally, and the bleeding needs to be stopped. That’s the problem with Xarelto, it’s hard to stop the bleeding once the medication causes bleeding to start.
Xarelto is very widely used and has been tremendously profitable drug for its manufacturer Bayer AG, and sold in the US by Janssen Pharmaceutical.
Background
Xarelto was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 to prevent deep vein thrombosis and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism in those undertaking surgery for a hip replacement or for a knee replacement. The FDA approval however has been criticized since when it was initially approved in 2011 and still there was no counter medication to apply to stop internal bleeding once begun. This lack of a counter measure to a drug induced internal bleed has created some dangerous situations that have caused permanent injury and even death from uncontrolled bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding to some patients who have been prescribed and used Xarelto. By comparison, when a patient was prescribed Coumadin or Warfarin as a blood thinner, and an internal bleed ensued, a counter medication (Vitamin K) could be applied to stop the bleeding and get the situation under control. For this reason, an internal bleed from Xarelto is considered difficult to manage.
Xarelto is often prescribed following surgery for a hip replacement or a knee replacement.
Xeralto costs 70 times more than Warfarin, and has been prescribed in over 124 countries to over 23 million patients.
Common Injuries
Because of the risks associated with taking this drug, it is required by the FDA to carry specific warnings directly to the patients that once started it should not be discontinued without consulting with their doctor due to the risk of stroke. Common injuries from the use of Xarelto include internal bleeding, stroke, and blood clots.
People who have a diagnosis of heart arrhythmia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or who have had a stroke are more likely to have been prescribed Xarelto, as well as those who have had surgery for a hip or knee replacement.
The most typical injuries from use of Xarelto and the instances of uncontrolled bleeding that it can initiate, include blood clots at the spinal cord, gastrointestinal bleeding, brain bleeding (hemorage) and stroke. There are other damaging consequences that can ensue if you sustain an internal bleed as a consequence of using Xarelto.
Who Is Accountable For A Xarelto Drug Injury?
People who have suffered these damages have been filing lawsuits against the manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceutical and its parent Johnson and Johnson for their injuries, and the current number of cases numbers in the tens of thousands. [Image result for xarelto images]
Consequently there are lawsuits pending around the US where injury or death is claimed from the use of Xarelto, and from excessive or uncontrolled bleeding.
Contact A Xarelto Medical Injury Lawyer
If you have had a medical injury on account of using Xarelto, call us at Keefe Disability Law to inquire if you might have a claim for damages for pain and suffering, loss of income and medical costs.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by dangerous drugs you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
