Lawyers Say Fresenius Could Have Prevented GranuFlo Deaths
By John Curran
Two kidney dialysis chemicals were pulled from the market last summer because they contributed to heart attacks, strokes and other side effects caused by excessive bicarbonates in the bloodstream. The drugs’ manufacturer, Fresenius Medical Care, continues to argue that they were safe and that lawsuits filed by victims are baseless because the FDA approved GranuFlo and NaturaLyte.
The claim seems to be specious. Fresenius knew that both chemicals were dangerous by the end of 2011 and waited until the next year to warn other providers. Bicarbonates can upset the heart’s operation and that leads to developments such as NaturaLyte heart attack side effects. Regardless of whether or not the company should have known the risks, in spite of decades of research indicating their likelihood, there is perhaps a bigger issue.
Fresenius Medical Care not only produces kidney dialysis equipment, but they are also the largest provider of these services to patients in the United States. In doing so, the firm’s technicians monitor the levels of numerous chemicals as they are cleansing the blood to ensure patients stay safe as treated blood goes directly into the heart. If there is a risk of a GranuFlo stroke or heart attack as a result of excessive bicarbonates in the blood, then one wonders why it was not possible to simply add another set of tests. Monitoring bicarbonate levels to limit NaturaLyte and GranuFlo heart attack side effects is possible, but Fresenius Medical Care failed to do so, according to numerous lawsuits.
GranuFlo lawsuit lawyers question why the German company paid no heed to excessive levels of bicarbonates their drugs were creating until 941 heart problems were reported in 2010.
While the company continues to fight claims, NaturaLyte and GranuFlo lawsuits are moving toward trial for people who have dealt with these side effects or lost a loved one as a result of the two kidney dialysis chemicals. If you or someone you know have been affected by Fresenius Medical Care’s treatments, get a free consultation with a GranuFlo lawsuit lawyer at the Kidney Dialysis Heart Attack, GranuFlo & NaturaLyte Recall Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. While nothing can replace a loved one, injuries caused by the chemicals can be costly to treat and a legal remedy may defray them.
Updated February 21st, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
