Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to treat certain medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis. Although this drug and others in its class are quite effective, they carry the risk of serious side effects, some which can be life-threatening. As a result, Xarelto manufacturers, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson, are facing thousands of lawsuits.
All anticoagulants can cause excessive bleeding, and Xarelto is no exception. The difference between Xarelto and its predecessor Coumadin, however, is that Coumadin has an antidote to stop this bleeding. No such antidote exists for Xarelto. As a result, several hundred deaths have been linked to this dangerous drug. Despite the risk of fatal hemorrhaging, Xarelto has surpassed its competitors, racking up more than $1 billion in sales.
More than 18,000 Lawsuits Filed
As of September 2017, nearly 18,000 lawsuits have been filed against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson. These cases have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in Louisiana, and are currently in discovery. The injuries range in severity from minor injury to death. As such, there will probably be multiple tiers of settlements. Based on past MDL cases with similar injuries and recent settlements paid by Bayer and J&J in Yaz cases (another of the manufacturers’ dangerous drugs), the majority of the settlements will likely range from $100,000 to $300,000. Of course, they could be much higher or much lower, depending on various factors. A Boston drug injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been harmed by Xarelto or another dangerous drug.
Symptoms of Excessive Bleeding
Xarelto is linked to many side effects; some are minor and some can be life-threatening. Common minor side effects include back pain, leg weakness, and bladder problems. If you develop any side effects, it’s a good idea to consult with your physician. However, symptoms of excessive bleeding are of special concern. If you develop any of the symptoms below, seek immediate medical attention. You may be suffering from internal bleeding.
- Chronic nose bleed
- Bleeding of the gums
- Urine that is brown, red, or pink
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Black or red stool
- Unusually-heavy vaginal or menstrual bleeding
- Coughing up blood
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
As with many drugs that are similar to drugs already on the market, Xarelto was approved by the FDA following a fast-track approval process. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are often so eager to get an exciting, new drug on the shelves that they don’t allow enough time for adequate safety testing.The lawsuits allege that Xarelto manufacturers failed to warn patients of the risks associated with their drug. A prominently-placed warning label or package insert would have allowed patients and doctors to weigh their options and choose an alternative if they so desired.
And it’s not just excessive bleeding that can be life threatening. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery revealed that patients taking Xarelto after hip or knee surgery have nearly four times the risk of wound complications than those taking Heparin. A MA drug injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured by a dangerous prescription medication.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Drug Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured by Xarelto, or any other defective or dangerous drug, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If Bayer and Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks associated with Xarelto and failed to adequately warn the public, they should be held accountable for their actions. If you have been harmed as a result, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.