Bayer and Johnson & Johnson are facing thousands of lawsuits over deaths and injuries attributed to Xarelto, a blood-thinning medication. Plaintiffs involved in the cases claim the drug is responsible for causing uncontrollable bleeding in the intestines and brain. Additional claims suggest both companies did not warn consumers about the risks associated with taking the drug.
Xarelto is for patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that raises the risk of stroke. For several decades, atrial fibrillation patients used Coumadin as a blood thinner. Coumadin requires heavy monitoring of blood and diet. Xarelto was allegedly sold to consumers by promising less monitoring and greater effectiveness than Coumadin.
However, bleeding caused by Coumadin is treatable. This is not the case with Xarelto. Plaintiffs claim the drug manufacturers did not specify that bleeding caused by Xarelto is untreatable.
How Dangerous is Xarelto?
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices claims Xarelto is responsible for more reports of serious injuries than many other monitored drugs in the country. This drug is listed as a “high-alert medication” by the organization.
A 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine claims there are safer alternative medications. According to the study, which used data from a test group of 118,891 people, patients taking Xarelto have higher rates of bleeding and mortality compared to those taking Pradaxa. In addition, the study found patients had a 15 percent increased chance of death and a 65 percent higher risk of brain bleeds.
Multidistrict litigation has grown to encompass thousands of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson in multiple states. New Jersey patients harmed by Xarelto and grieving family members may have legal options.
