What is Xarelto?

Xarelto is a drug used to treat or prevent blood clots that can occur in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (Pulmonary Embolism, PE). Blood clots develop when you’re very ill and unable to move around as much. They can also develop after knee or hip replacement surgery. After getting treatment for clots, Xarelto also lowers the risk of developing DVT and PE.

The drug should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Suddenly stopping its use can increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, and bleeding. If you’ve developed complications from using Xarelto, consult a skilled Chicago injury law firm lawyer. They will evaluate if you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation.

Why Are People Filing Xarelto Lawsuits?

When the drug first came into the market, it was a groundbreaking discovery and was praised for its effectiveness. The recommended dosage is one pill a day, unlike other anticoagulants. The Food and Drug Administration approved it for reducing the risk of stroke and preventing blood clots, especially those developed due to travel.

The drug was prescribed to many people annually, and until May 2018, FDA hadn’t issued an antidote for Xarelto. Patients continued taking the medication before the antidote became available, most suffering from excessive bleeding that could not be stopped.

Consequently, many people have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The basis of the cases is the company marketing the product without adequately warning users about the potential side effects. If you or your loved one suffered adverse side effects after using Xarelto, consult a drug injury lawyer in Chicago for advice.

What Are the Side Effects of Xarelto?

People experience mild to severe side effects after using Xarelto.

Mild Side Effects of Xarelto

Some of the mild side effects of Xarelto that people have reported include the following:

  • Belly pain
  • Dizziness
  • Itchiness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Mild allergies

While these symptoms are supposed to be temporary and easy to manage, they may bother patients and require them to seek a doctor’s intervention.

Severe Side Effects of Xarelto

Xarelto can cause a severe blood clot around the spinal cord for patients undergoing a spinal tap or receiving spinal anesthesia. The blood clot can lead to long-term paralysis and is more likely to affect people with the following conditions:

  • Genetic spinal defect
  • A spinal catheter
  • A history of spinal injury or repeated spinal taps
  • Under a NSAID medication
  • Taking medications to treat or prevent blood clots

Other severe side effects of the drug are the following:

  • Life-threatening bleeding
  • Blood buildup around the brain or spine after spinal injections
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Mood changes, including anxiety and depression

In older adults of 65 years and above, there may be an increased risk of blood clots or bleeding compared to younger adults. Whatever your age, you can file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer if you suffer any of these side effects. Consult an experienced drug injury lawyer in Chicago to guide you on how to proceed.

Manufacturer’s Failure to Inform and Misleading Information

Most people filing Xarelto lawsuits claim that Janssen failed to inform consumers of its potentially severe and life-threatening side effects. Most users were unaware that the drug lacked an antidote, unlike other blood thinners whose effects can be reversed by taking vitamin K.

Despite the drug’s approval in 2011, a clinical trial comprising 14,000 patients was later found to have been tainted by the use of a faulty testing device. The trial’s results were questionable because it didn’t clearly state the risk of bleeding. A skilled California drug injury lawyer can form a solid argument based on this history to help victims pursue compensation.

What to Know Before Taking Xeralto

If you are already taking Xarelto, don’t stop without first talking to your doctor. Stopping its intake suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots or stroke. Let your doctor know if you have signs of bleeding, such as:

  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Bleeding gums
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Blood in the urine
  • Coughing up and vomiting
  • Headaches

People with an artificial heart valve should avoid taking the drug. It also poses a higher risk of bleeding more easily for people with the following:

  • Uncontrollably high blood pressure
  • Hemorrhagic stroke
  • An inherited bleeding disorder or one caused by a disease
  • Stomach or intestinal bleeding

If you didn’t have this information before taking Xarelto and developed severe side effects, talk to a skilled drug injury attorney in California. They can evaluate your case and provide legal counsel and representation in pursuing compensation.

What Damages Are People Seeking in Xarelto Lawsuits?

Many patients continue to face high medical bills to treat the severe side effects of Xarelto. Treatment costs for bleeding injuries can quickly accumulate, with some insurance providers not covering the costs of hospitalization and follow-up visits. Many patients also lost income while undergoing treatment.

The lawsuits aim to help victims get compensation for their medical bills, living expenses, and funeral expenses for the families that lost their loved ones. The cases also hold drug companies accountable for not providing crucial information and causing needless pain and suffering to many people.

Punitive damages can also be awarded to punish defendants for actions causing pain and suffering to deter them from causing such problems in the future. Working with a skilled California drug injury lawyer can enhance your chances of recovering the total compensation you deserve.

Learn Your Legal Options After a Drug Injury

Many people have already pursued legal action against the manufacturer of Xarelto because of the harmful side effects it inflicted. You could be eligible to file a lawsuit if you took the medication as prescribed and suffered effects like stroke, bleeding, or other severe injuries. If you lose a loved one due to the side effects, you can also file a lawsuit.

A skilled personal injury attorney from a Chicago law firm can help you. They can evaluate the case and help you create a solid case to enhance the chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Our drug injury attorney has taken cases to trial against massive international pharmaceutical manufacturers and can help you. Call us at (312) 775-1012 for a free, no-risk consultation.