Plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits across the country are using recent Xarelto study data on the serious side effects of the popular blood thinner as support for their cases.

Xarelto is a blood thinning medication manufactured by Bayer and approved by the FDA in 2011.

It was originally approved for the prevention of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism) in patients that have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery. It has also been approved for patients who are at high risk for stroke.

Despite its popularity, Xarelto side effects can be serious. In the first half of 2012, almost 1,100 adverse bleeding events associated with the drug were reported. Of those events, 65 led to death.

By the end of that year, another 900 serious adverse event reports had been reported to the FDA and over 150 of the adverse events resulted in death.

When uncontrolled bleeding happens near a major organ, like the lungs or kidneys, blood flow to that organ is impaired and the organ may loose its ability to function. Brain bleeds have been reported as a particular problem with Xarelto use.

Xarelto Study Data

Some of these alarming side effects prompted two medical professionals to conduct their own Xarelto study. Physicians Judy Hun and John Hwang began to look at their own patients’ Xarelto use and investigate the side effects.

The doctors conducted their own Xarelto study because they noticed some of their patients experienced bleeding from their eyes while on Xarelto. In their Xarelto study, the doctors found that the risk of eye bleeding might be increased in patients who switch from a traditional blood thinner to Xarelto.

Another Xarelto study was conducted over two years between 2010 and 2012. This Xarelto study examined a large sample of Xarelto patients from across the United States and also included users of the blood thinners Pradaxa and warfarin.

Comparing warfarin to Xarelto in the 46,000 participant study, researchers found Xarelto markedly increased the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk increased as much as 50 percent when patients took Xarelto as opposed to warfarin.

These concerning Xarelto studies have been brought up in numerous Xarelto lawsuits. Plaintiffs are claiming that among Xarelto’s side effects is dangerous and spontaneous bleeding.

In the Eastern District of Louisiana, over 2,800 of these cases have been combined into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). In Philadelphia, another 550 Xarelto cases are under a mass tort.

Am I at Risk for Xarelto Bleeding?

If you take Xarelto, you may be at risk for adverse bleeding events.  You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following while taking Xarelto:

• Frequent nose bleeds
• Unusual bleeding in the gums
• Red, pink or brown urine
• Severe uncontrolled bleeding
• Bright red or black stool that looks like tar
• Vaginal bleeding or menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal
• Wounds with pain, swelling or new drainage at the site
• Coughing up blood or blood clots
• Headaches, feeling weak and dizzy
• Blood in vomit or vomit that looks like “coffee grounds”

If you have experienced bleeding complications or other Xarelto side effects while taking Xarelto, you may have legal options.