Johnson & Johnson and Bayer HealthCare is facing a growing multidistrict litigation from numerous patients alleging potentially fatal Xarelto GI bleeding.

One of the most recent claims comes from a North Carolina man, alleging serious Xarelto GI bleeding soon after starting his medication. The man claims the companies either knew or should have known about potential Xarelto GI bleeding, yet failed to adequately warn the public.

Plaintiff David M. had been prescribed Xarelto to treat the risk of stroke associated with his atrial fibrillation, which is a typical treatment option. According to the Xarelto bleeding lawsuit, David had taken Xarelto between Nov. 23, 2016 to Dec. 15, 2016 and had followed all prescription instructions and physician advice.

In addition, David says he did not use the medication outside of its intended purpose and had no awareness of potential Xarelto GI bleeding complications. Even with this diligence, David reportedly suffered Xarelto GI bleeding and hemoptysis on Dec. 15, 2016 and had to be admitted for emergency medical treatment.

During his time at the hospital, David required two blood transfusions to replenish fluids lost from the Xarelto GI bleeding. Even though David survived his ordeal, he still has to contend with the lasting injuries from the alleged Xarelto GI bleeding.

David opted to file the Xarelto bleeding lawsuit, after discovering that other patients may have suffered internal bleeding complications.

Overview of Xarelto GI Bleeding Complications

GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding occurs when the gastrointestinal tract suffers some form of trauma or injury. Patients with GI bleeding sometimes need emergency intervention. This has allegedly been the case for numerous Xarelto patients, as the medication’s treatment mechanism may promote uncontrollable internal bleeding.

Xarelto is often prescribed to patients suffering from atrial fibrillation who are at high risk for stroke, and is ultimately meant to prolong the patient’s life. Xarelto and anticoagulants work by inhibiting the body’s clotting mechanism to preventing clotting injuries.

However, this effect also causes the body to become unable to recover from minor bleeding injuries, causing the need for emergency intervention.

Xarelto was approved by the FDA in 2011. When Xarelto and other new generation anticoagulants were released onto the market, they quickly became popular for their one-a-day dosage.

While some anticoagulants have established bleeding antidotes, like Pradaxa and warfarin, Xarelto currently does not. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA in 2010, and was the first medication to be released for blood thinning purposes since warfarin’s release in the 1950s.  When warfarin patients experience excessive bleeding, they can take vitamin K to reduce warfarin’s effect. While Pradaxa now has an approved bleeding antidote, it can only be given at hospitals.

David is filing his Xarelto bleeding lawsuit in MDL No. 2592, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. David states he never would have agreed to take the medication if he had known the potential risks of Xarelto GI bleeding.

This Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-09391-EEF-MBN, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.