Lovaza, a prescription medicine made with omega-3 fatty acids, has recently been associated with a higher risk of  bleeding complications including subdural hematomas.

That may lead some patients to file Lovaza bleeding lawsuits. Lovaza is sold by GlaxoSmithKline and was developed by Reliant Pharmaceuticals. It was first approved in 2004.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in Lovaza are the same type found in fish oil. Research for dozens of years has pointed to a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease that can cause premature death.

Research has also shown that omega-3 fatty acids have a number of other positive effects, such as decreasing triglyceride levels, slowing the growth of atherosclerotic plague, and slightly lowering blood pressure.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered necessary for human health, but the body cannot make them. Therefore, doctors will often recommend that patients consume Omega-3 fatty acids as part of their diet by eating foods like fish, plants, and nut oils.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a weekly intake of at least two servings of fish. Omega-3 content is highest in fish such as salmon, tuna, and herring, which are all oily. Other foods with high omega-3 content are flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil. Dietary supplements also offer these essential fatty acids.

However, recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit the function of platelets. Platelets are part of the process that causes proper and healthy blood clotting.

When the platelets are inhibited, bleeding time can be prolonged and therefore more dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including Lovaza, inhibit the function of platelets in blood clotting, which puts patients at risk of extended Lovaza bleeding complications such as subdural hematomas.

For those suffering from a subdural hematoma, excess blood collects between the layers of tissue surrounding the brain. The outermost layer of this tissue around the brain is called the dura, and the layer beneath it is called the arachnoid.

Subdural hematoma causes bleeding between the dura and the arachnoid. While subdural hematoma bleeding is not inside the brain itself, it can still negatively affect the brain.

Bleeding accumulates and pressure builds, which puts an increasing amount of pressure on the brain from outside. This pressure, if allowed to reach a very high level, can cause unconsciousness and in some cases, death.

Treatment of subdural hematomas can range from simply monitoring the condition and waiting to brain surgery. In cases where there is too much pressure on the brain, surgeons may have to perform serious operations to relieve the dangerous pressure.

Lovaza’s label, approved by the FDA, includes a warning about increased Lovaza bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids.

According to the American Heart Association, patients who wish to treat coronary artery disease or high triglycerides with omega-3 fatty acids may not be able to intake as much as they need in a regular diet. Therefore, the AHA recommends at least one gram of fish oil per day for coronary artery disease patients, and at least two grams per day for hypertriglyceridemia patients.

Patients with these conditions are often prescribed omega-3 supplements like Lovaza to reach the necessary level of omega-3 intake.

People who took Lovaza or a similar omega-3 fatty acid supplement or fish oil and have since suffered a subdural hematoma may be able to file a Lovaza lawsuit. Drug manufacturers such as GlaxoSmithKline have a legal responsibility to adequately warn consumers about the potential side effects of using their drugs.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual Lovaza lawsuit or Lovaza class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Lovaza lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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