A Utah woman recently filed a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging that she has suffered from serious bleeding problems with Xarelto.

The plaintiff, Lena G., claims that she began taking Xarelto at the direction of her doctor to treat atrial fibrillation. She ingested Xarelto for a period of several months, from Feb. 10, 2015 to Nov. 30, 2015.

Lena says she had to stop taking the drug after suffering from severe bleeding problems with Xarelto that landed her in the hospital for a blood transfusion. In response, Lena’s doctor told her to stop taking Xarelto altogether. Lena alleges that these bleeding problems with Xarelto caused not only physical harm, but also incurred unexpected medical expenses.

Lena’s lawsuit over her bleeding problems with Xarelto was filed on multiple counts, including strict liability, manufacturing defect, design defect, failure to warn, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, fraud, and several others.

Background of Xarelto

Xarelto (also called by its generic name, rivaroxaban) is a popular blood thinning medication manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a prominent subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Xarelto is relatively new to the market, having been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 1, 2011.

Xarelto is a member of a new class of drugs known as New Oral Anticoagulants, or NOACs. Others in this class include Pradaxa and Eliquis, which are also popular options. Since entering the market, NOACs have been positioned as a new and improved alternative to warfarin (Coumadin) which has long been the most prominent blood thinner option. Indeed, warfarin has remained the dominant anticoagulant option for more than 60 years.

Xarelto and similar medications, including other NOACs, are used to treat blood clots and conditions related to clotting. Blood clots can be very dangerous, and the issue is widespread across the U.S. Many patients in need of blood thinners have switched to Xarelto since its 2011 approval.

Bleeding Problems with Xarelto

Despite the popularity of Xarelto, more and more patients are coming forward with allegations of bleeding problems with Xarelto and other serious side effects. The main issue patients have reported is bleeding problems with Xarelto, which can be severe or even fatal.

Sometimes blood clots are dangerous—that’s why patients are prescribed medications to prevent them in the first place. However, there are scenarios in which blood clotting can become a life-saving function. In extreme situations like an accident, emergency surgery, or internal bleeding, the body’s defense involves forming blood clots to slow bleeding. But patients taking a blood thinner like Xarelto may be unable to form these clots.

According to lawsuits, Janssen and its parent company Johnson & Johnson knew about serious risks linked with Xarelto, yet failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about these risks.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Bleeding Problems with Xarelto

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of someone who has experienced bleeding problems with Xarelto, and cannot bring a loved one back to life. However, a Xarelto lawsuit can at least help to compensate for the financial expenses often incurred by medical bills and lost wages.

If you or someone you love has experienced severe bleeding problems with Xarelto, or even death caused by Xarelto, you may be able to file a Xarelto lawsuit.

The Bleeding Problems with Xarelto Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-13419-EEF-MBN, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.