Popular blood thinner Xarelto has reportedly been linked to an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding, or hemorrhaging. Xarelto is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots. Patients include those undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery, people who have an abnormal heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation and to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Like other blood thinners, Xarelto comes with an increased risk of hemorrhaging, but unlike others, such as coumadin, it does not have an antidote. This means that injuries – including minor cuts – can result in uncontrolled bleeding, which can be fatal. At the close of 2012, a total of 2,081 Serious Adverse Event reports were filed with the FDA. Of those reports, 151 resulted in death, as compared to only 56 deaths associated with its alternative, coumadin.
A lawsuit was recently filed against Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Xarelto, alleging that the drug does not allow the patient’s blood to properly clot. It further alleges that the manufacturers did not properly warn patients or doctors about the lack of an antidote, which could result in uncontrolled bleeding. Patients who are currently taking Xarelto and experiencing hemorrhaging may want to discuss alternative options with their medical provider.
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