Several adverse side effects have been noted in conjunction with the use of GranuFlo, as well as NaturaLyte, in dialysis treatment.
Cardiac arrest is a main concern associated with the use of GranuFlo in dialysis treatment. Cardiac arrest generally describes a condition in which blood does not functionally circulate through the body as a result of the heart’s failure to contract effectively. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that, if unexpected and not immediately tended to, can result in death.
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, although it can result from one. Heart attacks, which have also been cited as an adverse side effect of GranuFlo, occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is impaired.
Cardiac arrest is estimated to be the cause of approximately 60 percent of deaths associated with dialysis treatment, with the risk of heart attack six times higher in patients using GranuFlo.
Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is another sign of severe cardiovascular impairment connected to GranuFlo.
Strokes have also been observed in connection with treatment by GranuFlo. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When this occurs, the brain does not receive the oxygen it requires, causing brain cells to die and resulting in permanent damage. Symptoms of stroke include headaches, dizziness, altered alertness, loss of balance, and loss of coordination.
Low blood pressure is another adverse side effect of GranuFlo. Hypotension, the medical term for low blood pressure, indicates that the heart, brain, and other parts of the body are not receiving the necessary blood for healthy functioning. The normal level is between 90/60 mmHg and 130/80 mmHg. Hypotension can lead to infection, shock, heart attack, and allergic reaction.
Metabolic alkalosis is another one of the most serious side effects of GranuFlo treatment. This is a condition in which the blood’s pH level is elevated beyond what is considered normal (7.35-7.45), signifying the presence of excess alkali. Specifically, this occurs as a result of increased bicarbonate concentrations. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include confusion, hand tremors, muscle twitching and prolonged muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, and tingling or numbness in hands, feet, and face. Further side effects that result from metabolic alkalosis include low levels of blood oxygen, low levels of blood potassium, and high levels of blood carbon dioxide.
Another symptom of metabolic alkalosis is apnea, which describes the suspension of external breathing resulting from a lack of movement of the respiratory muscles, leaving the volume of the lungs unchanged. Apnea can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood circulation, which can have serious effects on the body’s organs.