Amidst ongoing litigation over the side effects of new-generation anticoagulants, Eliquis sales continue to rise despite facing the same allegations as other drugs in the category. Even though Eliquis had a slow start, it picked up sales in 2014 to $774 million, compared to $146 million in 2013. Experts note that this is an interesting trend, as allegations of Eliquis bleeding injuries continue to rise.

When Bristol-Myers Squibb initially released Eliquis in 2012, sales were slow despite impressive clinical trial results. Patients still heavily relied on Xarelto, even with Xarelto facing litigation over uncontrollable bleeding side effects. Now with Bristol-Myers’ focus on direct-to-consumer advertising, approximately 60 percent of anticoagulant patients request Eliquis. With this new momentum in sales, marketing experts are speculating how long it will be until Eliquis threatens Xarelto’s market share.

Xarelto, the second new-generation anticoagulant released, remains at the top of the exclusive market and is predicted stay there for at least several more years. Pradaxa, the first of the new-gen anticoagulants to break into the exclusive market, is also in the mix, despite dealing with similar uncontrollable internal bleeding lawsuits and settlements. While Eliquis could potentially find a place at the top of the pyramid, it is looking more than likely that Eliquis will face the same legal battles as Xarelto and Pradaxa.

Overview of New-Generation Anticoagulant Complications

The success of Pradaxa inspired other pharmaceutical companies to try their luck in the lucrative market and release their own new-generation anticoagulants. Unfortunately, each of these new-generation anticoagulants carried the same risk, in the form of uncontrollable internal bleeding. Each of these drugs were advertised to be more efficient and faster-acting than the original anticoagulant, Warfarin, and did not require patients to undergo frequent dose adjustments.

However, many experts believe it was these very precautions that would have prevented thousands of internal bleeding events. Along with much more stringent physician oversight, Warfarin patients had a remedy — vitamin K — in case the anticoagulant worked too well in their bodies and they suffered an internal bleeding event. The new-generation anticoagulants were released without an antidote.

Despite reports of uncontrollable internal bleeding, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers are optimistic for Eliquis as sales continue to climb. However, medical experts are less enthusiastic and predict Eliquis will face similar legal hurdles as Xarelto and Pradaxa. In fact, several law firms are already reaching out to potential plaintiffs who have taken Eliquis and suffered internal bleeding injuries such as gastrointestinal bleeding, rectal bleeding, kidney bleeding, cerebral hemorrhages, and death.