Xarelto, a brand of rivaroxaban, is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) that first came out in November 2011.
Patients who suffer a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — which ultimately leads to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and other health complications — quickly adapted to this revolutionary “1 time a day” a day drug.
Although a warning came with the product, companies Bayer, Johnson & Johnson’s and Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to mention any other medication risks to both its patients and the medical community, according to concerned law firms.
A Black-Boxed Warning
In line with the release of Xarelto is an FDA black box warning, which has two warnings on its label. These are as follows:
- Discontinuing Xarelto may increase the risk of dangerous blood clots and stroke if you have a type of abnormal heart rhythm known as nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It may be necessary to switch to another anticoagulant.
- Having spinal anesthesia, such as an epidural, or a spinal procedure, such as a spinal tap, may cause bleeding on or around the spine that can lead to long-term, perhaps permanent, paralysis.
But, with the popularity of the medication going through the roof, the unadvertised side effects also started to reveal itself.
The Cureless Case of Xarelto Intake
Currently, there are no known counteragents or antidotes for Xarelto despite its potentially life-threatening side effects such as:
- Excessive and uncontrollable bleeding
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Some people also experience other adverse health effects like the infection associated with a hip or knee replacement surgery, decreased hemoglobin, hematoma, peripheral edema, and dyspnea or difficulty breathing.
Lawsuits and Duration to Settle
Negotiations to settle Xarelto cases depend on what a particular jury will award to each case.
If a particular case goes to court, the jury shall take into account the extent of the injury from Xarelto, the damage, and the financial aspects caused by the sustained injury.
The first complaints against Xarelto surfaced in early 2014 and by 2015, the number of claims surrounding the Xarelto litigation already doubled.
