Johnson & Johnson and Bayer HealthCare are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), from numerous patients alleging Xarelto bleeding problems.

One of the most recent claims comes from a Texas woman alleging she suffered from Xarelto bleeding problems soon after starting the medication. The claimant and numerous other patients allege the drug companies either knew or should have known about potential Xarelto bleeding problems.

Plaintiff Pamela B. was prescribed Xarelto in August 2015 for typical treatment purposes and used the medication according to prescription instructions and physician advice. Even with her diligence, Pamela still reportedly suffered Xarelto bleeding problems several months after starting the medication.

According to the Xarelto lawsuit, Pamela suffered a gross hematuria on Oct. 12, 2015, and had to receive emergency medical treatment.

Overview of Xarelto Bleeding Problems

Xarelto is a popular new generation anticoagulant medication that is typically prescribed to treat patients with atrial fibrillation or persons who are at high risk of stroke.

The medication was approved by the FDA in 2011 and was released as a joint effort between Johnson & Johnson and Bayer HealthCare. It is important to note that at the time of Xarelto’s approval in 2011 its predecessor, Pradaxa, was facing major allegations of uncontrollable internal bleeding injuries.

Pradaxa was the first medication to be released for anticoagulant purposes since warfarin in the 1960s, and quickly overtook the market with its convenient single dose prescription feature. However, Pradaxa did not have an approved bleeding reversal agent until 2015 with the release of Praxbind.

Xarelto and other anticoagulants work by inhibiting the body’s natural clotting mechanisms and help to increase overall circulation. Unfortunately, this also inhibits the body’s natural recovery mechanism, which allows it to self-repair from minor internal bleeding injuries.

Patients who experience Xarelto bleeding problems have to undergo emergency treatment to prevent fatal internal hemorrhaging. At this time, Xarelto does not have a widely available bleeding antidote and patients are advised to be wary of any signs of internal bleeding including:

• Fatigue
• Bloody Stool
• Skin Easily Bruises
• Pale Skin Color
• Low Blood Cell Count
• Stomach Swelling
• Stroke-like Symptoms

According to Xarelto lawsuits, even though these Xarelto bleeding problems can be potentially fatal to patients, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer allegedly failed to warn the public about these events.

Pamela opted to file legal action against the pharmaceutical companies, after hearing allegations that the companies either knew or should have known about potential Xarelto bleeding problems. Pamela agreed to start Xarelto treatment, after discussing the option with her physician and reviewing Xarelto marketing materials provided by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer.

Pamela states she had no way to discover the risk of potential Xarelto bleeding problems until she experienced this injury. Pamela is filing her Xarelto bleeding lawsuit in MDL No. 2592, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

Pamela states she would never have used the anticoagulant if she had known about potential Xarelto bleeding problems. Pamela is seeking multiple damages against the companies including negligence and failure to warn.

This Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-09693-EEF-MBN, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.