The drug “Xarelto” is a blood-thinner which is prescribed to protect against blood clots and strokes, and its generic version, “rivaroxaban,” is developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, a division of Johnson & Johnson. Xarelto differs from older anticoagulants in that it is prescribed orally in one uniform dose rather than specific doses for different patients, and it’s also prescribed to patients who have atrial fibrillation (AF), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Despite FDA approval, Xarelto has been linked to severe internal bleeding near major organs, including the brain, lungs, and kidneys, which can cause irreversible damage that may lead to hospitalization or even death. Some FDA-associated reports even show that certain patients on Xarelto may be at an increased risk for blood clots. According to the Institute for Safe
Medication Practices (ISMP), patients at the highest risk are those who have had hip or knee replacement surgery, and clots which travel to the brain can lead to a stroke or heart attack. The ISMP also ranks Xarelto at the top of its list of most dangerous blood-thinners and considers it a “high-alert” medication.
One of the first studies which linked Xarelto to these complications was published in the Journal of Joint and Bone Surgery in 2012; of more than 13,000 patients who had hip or knee surgery, the risks of wound complications were about four times higher among patients who took Xarelto than those who did not.
Individuals who have suffered severe internal bleeding due to Xarelto have filed lawsuits to earn compensation for injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. Some of these against Bayer Corporation and Johnson & Johnson allege that the companies failed to warn the public about the risks of internal bleeding and misrepresented the drug’s safety and efficiency.
Most pending Xarelto lawsuits allege that the manufacturer:
- Failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangerous risks associated with Xarelto, as well as the manufacturer’s lack of treatment options for those suffering from internal bleeding
- Misleadingly marketed the drug as a superior alternative to Warfarin (one of the most common blood-thinners); on the contrary, studies have found Xarelto to be significantly more dangerous and result in three times as many deaths from adverse events
If you or a loved one has suffered dangerous side effects from Xarelto or another prescription drug based on the manufacturer’s negligence, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
