Xarelto Lawsuits: What you Need to Know
Because of recent events, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports that Xarelto, a blood thinning medication, has been linked to severe internal bleeding, brain 
hemorrhaging, kidney bleeding, and even death.
Xarelto was approved in 2011, is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and is marketed with Bayer Healthcare. People who experience atrial fibrillation, or who are at risk for stroke or blood clots are often prescribed Xarelto as a blood thinner.
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heartbeat that is not caused by a heart valve problem. Patients who suffer from deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and who are recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery have commonly been given Xarelto as prevention against blood clots.
The Lawsuit
Over 2000 cases of severe or adverse side effects have been reported by users of Xarelto, and on February 18, 2014, a lawsuit was filed against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare. The complaint claims that both physicians and consumers were not given adequate information regarding the risk of bleeding and death associated with taking the medication.
Some documented side effects of Xarelto include:
- Internal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Pulmonary embolism
- Brain hemorrhaging
- Severe and frequent nose bleeds
- Stroke
- Peripheral edema
It was claimed that Xarelto did not require regular blood tests like other blood thinners, but bleeding as a result of using the drug has a high risk of being irreversible because there is no approved antidote for it, unlike other blood thinning drugs like Warfarin or Coumadin. Though those other drugs can cause internal bleeding, monthly blood tests help closely monitor side effects.
Speak to an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of taking Xarelto, the BCN Law Firm in Clermont wants to help. Call us today at (352)-394-2103 and speak with one of our experienced attorneys to schedule your consultation.
