A new Xarelto side effects lawsuit was collectively filed in federal court against pharmaceutical manufacturers Janssen Research and Development and Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals.

The lawsuit, filed jointly by 22 plaintiffs, alleges that the company violated consumer protection laws by failing to warn consumers about Xarelto side effects, including internal bleeding.

One of the plaintiffs, Betty D., a resident of Louisiana, took Xarelto between June 2015 to July 2015. In July, Betty suffered a gastrointestinal bleed.  According to the lawsuit Betty’s internal bleeding was a direct result of taking Xarelto.

Charles B. is another plaintiff who joined the Xarelto lawsuit.  Charles took Xarelto between January and May 2015.  In May of 2015, Charles suffered internal bleeding similar to Betty.

Several of the other plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit also suffered from gastrointestinal bleeds. Some of the other plaintiffs also suffered from things like angina, bloody stool, hermarthrosis, and several other serious internal bleeding Xarelto side effects.

The plaintiffs are bringing claims against the pharmaceutical manufacturers for violating consumer protection laws.  The lawsuit is bringing actions for negligence, breach of warranty, and products liability.

What is Xarelto?

Xarelto is a popular blood thinning medication that doctors prescribe to patients who are at risk of developing stroke or systemic embolism.

Xarelto received FDA approval back in July 2011.  The medication was first approved to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Xarelto has been advertised as a superior anticoagulant compared to the more traditional and established blood thinner Warfarin.

According to the Xarelto lawsuit, the studies that back these advertising statements were performed in a negligent and flawed manner.  In fact, the US FDA found the studies so flawed with rampant violations that they were deemed unreliable.

According to the lawsuit, the Rocket AF study that compared the effectiveness and risks of both Warfarin and Xarelto was one of the worst reported clinical studies in the history of clinical trial studies.

Some medical professionals have also voiced concern over the set dosage. Dr. Nissen who testified at an FDA advisory meeting stated a concern that the dose was selected for marketing reasons rather than the health of patients.

Xarelto Side Effects: Internal Bleeding

While all blood thinning medications are associated with internal bleeding side effects Xarelto has no known antidote.  Because of this, patients are at a serious risk of uncontrolled internal bleeding.

Patients who take the more traditional blood thinner Warfarin can feel comfort knowing that Warfarin has a known antidote.  Patients who experience uncontrolled bleeding can be given a dose of vitamin K to counteract the blood thinning effects of the medication.

Patients who have experienced internal bleeding while taking Xarelto may be able to bring their own lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering.

The Xarelto Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 2:16-cv-6535 in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana.