Many Americans who are recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery have been prescribed the medication Xarelto, a blood thinner manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceutical. Physicians also prescribe Xarelto to individuals suffering from heart arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation), deep body blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis) and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). In 2013, there was over $1.3 billion in Xarelto drug sales worldwide.
New data suggests that Xarelto can cause serious internal hemorrhaging in some patients. The Institute for Safe Medicine Practices’ May 2014 Quarterwatch report lists over 680 reports of serious medical complications related to Xarelto received by the Federal Drug Administration in the first quarter of 2013. Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices reported 958 incidents of Xarelto complications over an eighth month period in 2013, including 72 deaths in which the use of Xarelto was the suspected cause.
Complications related to the use of Xarelto may include cerebral (brain) bleeding, gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, hemorrhagic stroke and uncontrollable internal bleeding leading to death. While bleeding complications related to the use of other prescription drugs such as Warfarin can be controlled, bleeding caused by Xarelto is extremely difficult to stop. The administration of reversal agents such as vitamin K has not proven effective in Xarelto cases.
Individuals suffering from the complications of Xarelto use can face significant medical expenses and painful medical procedures. With the proper legal representation, injured individuals can obtain the compensation for their injuries.
If you or your loved one has suffered complications after taking the prescription drug Xarelto, including internal hemorrhaging or death, you may be entitled to compensation for the past and future medical costs, rehabilitation costs, loss of wages and pain and suffering. The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger are experienced litigators who have obtained substantial recoveries for clients injured by defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices through filing products liability lawsuits.
With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania our dedicated products liability lawyers represent injured individuals and their families throughout Pennsylvania, including the Harrisburg and Allentown regions, as well as the Southern New Jersey. Call Galfand Berger at 1-800-222-8792 to schedule a free confidential consultation or submit an online inquiry form.