Pfizer Inc. and Bristol Myers Squibb are facing a new product liability lawsuit from a woman alleging gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Eliquis.

Plaintiff Florence Q. claims that as a direct result of using Eliquis (apixaban), she suffered potentially fatal bleeding injuries. She also claims the manufacturing companies failed to warn her against these potential complications.

Florence says she was prescribed Eliquis to reduce the chances of stroke or embolism due to the effects of atrial fibrillation.

At all times during her prescription, Florence says, she followed prescription instructions and had only used the drug for its intended purpose. Florence says she also followed advice from her physician.

All these precautions did not prevent her from experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Eliquis, she claims. Soon after taking the medication, Florence allegedly suffered gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia, along with severe pain and suffering.

Florence alleges this bleeding, which could have potentially fatal, was caused by Eliquis.

In order to save her life, Florence claims she had to seek emergency room treatment, as there is currently no widely available Eliquis bleeding antidote.

The Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Caused by Eliquis

Eliquis is the most recent addition to the new generation anticoagulant drug family, following Pradaxa and Xarelto.

Approved by the FDA in 2012, Eliquis was released as a joint effort between Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc. Since its release, Eliquis has been a popular choice for patients needing to go on blood thinning treatment.

Like other anticoagulants, Eliquis is often prescribed to patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, who are at higher risk for stroke. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the body’s clotting mechanism, increase the body’s circulation.

Consequently, the body’s ability to recover from minor internal bleeding events is also compromised. Unlike the older anticoagulant warfarin, Eliquis does not have an antidote that is widely available to patients

Florence argues that even though this is important safety information, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb did not adequately warn about it on the Eliquis warning label.

Florence and other patients allege gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Eliquis nearly killed them, as emergency intervention is needed to resolve the bleeding complications.

Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Eliquis and other new anticoagulants have been alleged by patients who unexpectedly experienced these problems. Florence is filing this Eliquis lawsuit seeking damages for negligence, defective product design, failure to warn, and other claims.

Florence states that she never would have taken the medication if she had known about the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Eliquis.

This Eliquis Lawsuit is Case No. 37-2016-00035743-CU-PL-CTL in the Superior Court of the State Of California for the County of San Diego.