In a number of lawsuits filed against the makers of Eliquis, an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots in individuals who are susceptible, the patients injured by the drug say that the manufacturer concealed risks of excessive bleeding from Eliquis.

Known generically as apaxiban, Eliquis is one of several medications in a class referred to as new generation oral anticoagulants.

Eliquis and the other drugs in its class were developed as an alternative to warfarin, the standard oral anticoagulant medication since the 1950s.

While warfarin was very effective, it did require frequent monitoring of blood levels to ensure its safety and efficacy. In addition, patients taking warfarin are required to maintain a specific diet that does not interfere with the drug’s method of action.

Eliquis is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm.

Patients with atrial fibrillation have a very rapid heartbeat which causes blood to pool in the upper chamber of the heart. Because it is not pumped out correctly, clots may form in the pooled blood which can cause a stroke.

Eliquis is additionally approved to prevent and treat a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). In the case of DVT, blood clots form in the lower body in a deep vein that is responsible for carrying blood back to the heart.

Often, as a result of DVT, a pulmonary embolism can result. PE occurs when the blood clot travels to the lungs. PE can be fatal.

In addition, Eliquis is used as a preventative measure in patients who are undergoing major surgery, such as the knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. During major surgeries, patients may develop blood clots, and using Eliquis can prevent these clots from forming.

Potentially Fatal Side Effect: Excessive Bleeding from Eliquis

Patients taking the oral anticoagulant have an increased risk of suffering from excessive bleeding from Eliquis use.

Because the medication inhibits the body’s natural blood clotting mechanism, patients taking the drug cannot form clots when necessary. Rather than the body being able to repair itself in the case of the bleed, those taking the drug can experience excessive bleeding from Eliquis that may be fatal.

In particular, patients on Eliquis have reported excessive bleeding from Eliquis that may cause intracranial hemorrhaging or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

In both of these situations, the condition is life-threatening and the patient must be hospitalized in order to stabilize the patient while bleeding.

With warfarin, physicians could administer fresh frozen plasma or intravenous vitamin K in order to reverse the drug’s anticoagulant side effects. Hospitals could easily administer the bleeding antidote to a patient to reverse the bleed.

There is no antidote for excessive bleeding from Eliquis.

During hospitalization, physicians must wait for the medication to exit the patient’s system and provide supportive measures for the patient. In a number of circumstances, patients died allegedly due to excessive bleeding from Eliquis use.

Most patients claim they were unaware that excessive bleeding from Eliquis could not be reversed.

Filing a Lawsuit over Excessive Bleeding from Eliquis

If you or a loved one has sustained personal injury or death due to excessive bleeding from Eliquis, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. An experienced Eliquis attorney can review your case at no charge and can guide you in your legal options.