Product liability attorneys are currently seeking potential plaintiffs to bring Eliquis lawsuits for allegedly causing patients serious blood thinner side effects such as uncontrolled internal bleeding.

The Eliquis lawsuits will likely allege that the manufacturer failed to warn the medical community and general public about the risks of serious internal bleeding side effects associated with taking the blood thinner medication.

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis is a popular blood thinner medication that is generically known as apixaban. Eliquis is manufactured by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The blood thinner medication was approved by the FDA back in August of 2014 in order to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Then later in March of 2014 the FDA approved the medication to be used to reduce the risk of blood clots after knee or hip replacement surgery.

Eliquis works by preventing clots from forming in the body. According to netdoctor.com, blood clots are formed when multiple chemicals come together to form an enzyme called thrombin. Thrombin is essential to the blood clotting process. Blood thinner medications like Eliquis work by preventing the chemical thrombin from forming in the body.

Eliquis belongs to a new generation of blood thinner medications that are often advertised as superior to more traditional blood thinning medications. Advertising claims the blood thinner medication is superior to other anticoagulants like Coumadin because it does not require blood monitoring or that the patient follow strict dietary restrictions.

Eliquis Blood Thinner Side Effects

While internal bleeding is a common side effect of a blood thinner medication, recent studies suggest that taking Eliquis may increase the risks of suffering uncontrolled internal bleeding. Unlike blood thinning medications like Coumadin, Eliquis does not have an FDA approved antidote.

Patients on Coumadin who experience uncontrolled internal bleeding can be given a dose of vitamin K mixed with fresh or frozen plasma. The FDA has received a large number of adverse event reports concerning Eliquis blood thinner side effects.

Eliquis Blood Thinner Medication Lawsuits

Patients who have suffered internal bleeding or other Eliquis side effects may be able to bring a lawsuit against Pfizer and/or Bristol-Meyers Squib. The lawsuits will likely allege that the pharmaceutical companies violated consumer protection laws. They may also assert claims for negligence, breach of warranty, fraud and misrepresentation, and several other claims.

Plaintiffs who decide to bring an Eliquis lawsuit may have the option of bringing the suit individually or as a member in a class action lawsuit. Certain types of litigation may lend themselves more towards one type of case over the other.

A consumer protection attorney can help potential plaintiffs determine what type of lawsuit is best for them. Individually brought lawsuits often provide the plaintiff with more autonomy over the case while class action lawsuits help to spread the costs of litigation among the members.

Plaintiffs who bring successful lawsuits may receive compensation for their pain and suffering and as well as their past and future medical bills. Lawsuits like these can help hold companies accountable for their actions and serve as a reminder that companies owe consumers a specific duty of care.