Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc. are facing a new Eliquis lawsuit after a New Mexico man allegedly suffered an internal bleeding event from the medication.

The man claims the Eliquis irreversible bleeding incident was nearly fatal, and that the manufacturing companies failed to properly disclose the dangers of their product.

Plaintiff Frank D. had been prescribed Eliquis for typical treatment purposes, which was to treat his blood clots. Eliquis is often used to treat atrial fibrillation and to lower the chances of stroke.

Eliquis and other anticoagulants work by inhibiting the body’s clotting mechanism, to improve the circulation of blood, which makes it an ideal solution for patients in danger of experiencing blood clot attacks. Frank was one of these patients, and had used Eliquis for its treatment purpose and did not deviate from prescription instructions and physician advice, according to the Eliquis lawsuit.

Even with this diligence, the complaint states that Frank could not have prevented the Eliquis irreversible bleeding incident due to the drug’s natural treatment consequences. Even though Eliquis and other anticoagulants improve the circulation process, these blood thinners also prevent the body from being able to recover from internal bleeding injuries.

Frank had reportedly suffered an Eliquis irreversible bleeding incident, and needed emergency medical treatment to prevent his death. Even though Frank survived his ordeal, he is complaining that the medication lacked any language regarding potential Eliquis irreversible bleeding problems.

Frank alleges Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb allegedly knew of the potential risk, but opted not to disclose this information to the public.

Overview of Eliquis Irreversible Bleeding Problems

Eliquis was approved by the FDA in 2012, which followed after the approval of fellow new generation anticoagulants Xarelto and Pradaxa in 2011 and 2010, respectively. These newer blood thinners were released to directly compete with original anticoagulant warfarin, with Pradaxa being the first medication to be released for anticoagulant purposes since the 1950s.

Eliquis and other new generation anticoagulants were marketed to be more efficient and convenient than warfarin, as they could be prescribed in a single dose. However, the new generation anticoagulants lacked a widely available reversal agent in the case of uncontrollable bleeding problems, in contrast to warfarin patients who had the option of vitamin K or fresh frozen plasma as an antidote.

Until recently, patients were widely unaware of the risks of Eliquis irreversible bleeding and the fact that there is no widely available bleeding antidote. Frank and other patients who allegedly experienced Eliquis irreversible bleeding complications are filing legal action against the manufacturing companies for failing to warn against the possibility.

Frank states that he never would have used the medication, if he had known the risks of Eliquis irreversible bleeding complications.

This Eliquis Irreversible Bleeding Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-00464-LF-GJF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.