Patients Taking Xarelto at Risk
April 27, 2018
Xarelto is a blood thinner that was approved by the FDA in 2011 as a preventative therapy for patients suffering from non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who may be at risk of having a stroke. Many physicians prefer Xarelto over other blood thinners like warfarin because of its once daily use, the need for less frequent monitoring, and claims that it has a lower risk of intracranial brain hemorrhages. However, a study has found that patients over the age of 65 who are taking Xarelto are at an increased risk for serious, possibly life-threatening brain hemorrhages. The drug was initially developed by Bayer Healthcare, but is currently marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
After suffering a serious intracranial bleed, an Ohio woman filed a lawsuit against the makers of Xarelto, claiming that the blood thinner caused the hemorrhage. According to the lawsuit, not only did Bayer Healthcare and Janssen Pharmaceuticals fail to warn patients about the possible risk of intracranial bleeding, but they promoted the drug as a safe and effective blood thinner, even though they were aware of the possible risk of life-threatening brain hemorrhages. As a result, the patient believes that the drug should no longer be sold.
A group of doctors from California conducted a study that examined the risks associated with Xarelto. In addition to an increased risk of intracranial bleeds in patients over 65, they also found that patients with decreased creatinine clearance should not take the drug, as their risk for brain hemorrhage is higher.
Intracranial bleeding occurs when blood rushes to the brain, which can interfere with the supply of oxygen to the brain. When the brain does not get enough oxygen for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to permanent brain damage.
Common Symptoms of Brain Hemorrhages
- Sudden, severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden weakness, tingling, or paralysis
- Confusion
- Blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Fatigue, lethargy, or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty reading, speaking, writing, or understanding
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Difficulty swallowing
Immediate surgery is generally required in order to relieve the pressure on the brain. Unfortunately, most patients who have suffered a Xarelto intracranial bleed will have some permanent deficiencies. Treatment options include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Depending on the location of the bleed, and the degree of damage to the brain, the patient may require ongoing, long-term treatment. In extreme cases, an intracranial bleed can be fatal.
Despite the known risks, Xarelto continues to be marketed as a safe drug, and a more convenient option than warfarin.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims Suffering From Xarelto Side Effects
If you or a loved one suffered a life-threatening intracranial bleed after taking the blood thinner Xarelto, you may be eligible for compensation. The Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side, and will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for any side-effects you may have suffered from after taking Xarelto. We will continue to fight for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, do not hesitate to call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
