Xarelto is a blood thinner medication that has been prescribed to millions of people around the world to prevent blood clots and strokes. While Xarelto has proven to be an effective medication, there have been reports of serious side effects associated with its use, leading to lawsuits against the company that produces it.
The lawsuits against the Xarelto company primarily relate to allegations that the medication can cause severe and sometimes fatal bleeding episodes, and that the company did not adequately warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with its use. Some of the most common allegations in Xarelto lawsuits include:
Failure to Warn
One of the main allegations in Xarelto lawsuits is that the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with the medication. Plaintiffs in these cases claim that they were not adequately informed about the risk of uncontrollable bleeding when taking Xarelto and that they would not have taken the medication had they known about this risk. The plaintiffs also claim that the company did not provide adequate information on how to manage the bleeding that can result from the use of Xarelto.
Uncontrollable Bleeding
Xarelto has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding, including severe bleeding that can be difficult or impossible to control. This bleeding can occur internally or externally, and can be life-threatening. Plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits claim that the company did not do enough to warn patients and doctors about the risk of bleeding, and that they suffered serious harm as a result. Some of the bleeding events that have been reported in connection with Xarelto use include gastrointestinal bleeding, brain bleeding, and other serious bleeding events.
Lack of Antidote
Unlike some other blood thinners, Xarelto does not have a specific antidote that can be used to reverse its effects in the event of a bleeding episode. Plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits claim that the lack of an antidote makes the medication more dangerous than other blood thinners, and that the company did not adequately warn patients and doctors about this risk. This has resulted in significant harm to many patients, as there are few options for managing the bleeding that can occur as a result of Xarelto use.
Misleading Marketing
Plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits also allege that the company engaged in misleading marketing practices, including downplaying the risks associated with the medication and overstating its effectiveness. They claim that this marketing led to more patients being prescribed the medication than would have been otherwise, leading to more instances of bleeding and other adverse events. Some of the marketing practices that have been cited in Xarelto lawsuits include advertising that suggests the medication is safer than other blood thinners, and advertising that downplays the risk of bleeding associated with Xarelto use.
Fraudulent Concealment
In some cases, plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits allege that the company engaged in fraudulent concealment, meaning that it intentionally hid or misrepresented information about the risks associated with the medication in order to increase profits. This can be difficult to prove, but if successful, it can result in significant damages for plaintiffs. Some of the allegations in Xarelto lawsuits related to fraudulent concealment include claims that the company hid data on the risk of bleeding associated with Xarelto use, and claims that the company failed to adequately disclose information about the lack of an antidote for Xarelto.
In conclusion, while Xarelto has proven to be an effective medication for preventing blood clots and strokes, there have been serious side effects associated with its use, leading to lawsuits against the company that produces it. The allegations in these lawsuits primarily relate to the risk of severe and sometimes fatal bleeding episodes, and the company’s alleged failure to adequately warn patients and doctors about these risks.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm after taking Xarelto, it may be worth consulting with an attorney to discuss your legal options.