Q: What is the prescription drug Xarelto and why is it prescribed?
A: Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical that has been widely prescribed to prevent blood clots in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia of the heart); deep vein thrombosis (blood clots deep within the body); pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs); stroke; and patients who have recently undergone a knee or hip replacement surgery. It generally is prescribed as an alternative to Warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner that began to be used in 1954.
Q: What are the side effects of Xarelto?
A: The most serious side effects include life-threatening and irreversible internal bleeds, including in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, which can result in death. Other serious side effects associated with Xarelto, even after as little as one dose, include:
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Severe Anemia Requiring Transfusion
- Internal Bleeding
- Serious or Life-Threatening Bleeds Requiring Hospitalization
Currently, there is no known antidote (cure) to reverse the type of internal bleeding caused by Xarelto.
Q: Why did my doctor prescribe Xarelto if it has these side effects?
A: Xarelto, as a newer oral anticoagulant, was thought to be and marketed as less demanding than Warfarin, the longtime standard in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Warfarin is known to react with many commonly used medications, calls for regular blood testing, and requires a special diet, making Xarelto appear as a safer and more convenient choice.
Q: Is there a way to reverse the effects of Xarelto?
A: No. Although Xarelto has been marketed as a safer and more convenient alternative to Warfarin, there is no approved reversal agent in the event an uncontrolled internal bleed occurs.
Q: Has any legal action been taken against Xarelto based on these findings?
A: Yes. There are a growing number of cases being filed across the U.S. involving Xarelto that claim severe and fatal injuries experienced in conjunction with taking the medication.
Q: How do I know if I have a viable case in the Xarelto lawsuit?
A: If you or someone you know has suffered uncontrolled bleeding while taking Xarelto that has resulted in a serious medical condition or fatality, you may have a case for joining in the litigation.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Xarelto Lawsuit?
A: Every state has maximum time limitations on when an injury claim must be filed. These time restrictions are known as statutes of limitations. If a claim is not filed against the manufacturer before the statute of limitation expires, the injured persons are forever prevented from bringing a claim against the entities and persons who may be liable for their injuries.
If you have been potentially injured by the use of Xarelto, your statute of limitations may already have expired, or may expire in the very near future. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to tell you without us first reviewing the individual facts of your situation.
Q: What should I do if I want to pursue legal action?
A: If you believe you have suffered a severe bleed or other serious medical problem resulting from the use of Xarelto, first see a doctor immediately. You should also report the incident to your physician and the FDA.
To find out if you are eligible to file a claim in the Xarelto lawsuit, contact McDivitt Law Firm at 800-378-4252 or request a free and confidential case evaluation.