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DANGERS OF USING XARELTO
In the case of Xarelto in particular, once the drug is administered there is no known substance that can counteract its “blood thinning” effects. As a result, lawsuits have been filed against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson – its manufacturers – because of the unexpected injury or death of loved ones who have been victims of excessive bleeding related to Xarelto use.
WHY DOCTORS PRESCRIBE XARELTO
As an anticoagulant drug, Xarelto is prescribed for those who are prone to developing dangerous blood clots that might lead to a heart attack or stroke. It was initially cleared for use by patients who had undergone a knee or hip replacement, as well for those with atrial fibrillation.
HOW XARELTO PREVENTS BLOOD CLOTS
Xarelto is unique in that it functions by directly inhibiting a clotting factor called Xa. By inhibiting factor Xa, Xarelto makes it difficult for blood to clot which can be beneficial in some instances and extremely dangerous in others.
How Xarelto is Different from Other Blood Thinners
Other well-known drugs in the class of anticoagulants include Pradaxa and Warfarin. Though all anticoagulants inhibit the production of compounds that lead to blood clots; Xarelto, Pradaxa, and Warfarin each affect different sequences in the series of reactions leading to clotting.
Depletes active vitamin K acting on factors preceding factor Xa.
Inhibits the production of factor Xa
Acts directly on thrombin, one of the last substances involved in clot formation
Each of these drugs are used for similar purposes in post-surgical and cardiovascular patients. One of the most important differences between them is that there is no known effective means of counteracting the effects of Xarelto, whereas Pradaxa and Warfarin can be counteracted. Pradaxa can be addressed through dialysis, or by administration of plasma or a substance native to the body called factor VIIa. Warfarin can be counteracted by supplementing with additional vitamin K in order to increase its concentration in the blood and essentially overwhelm acting Warfarin.
FDA Safety Warnings
Xarelto was initially approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism following hip or knee replacement. It has since been approved for use in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke, and for treating existing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The following warnings have been issued regarding Xarelto:
- Xarelto can cause serious and fatal bleeding
- May cause pregnancy related bleeding
- Increased risk of thrombotic events after premature discontinuation
- Increased GI bleeding in patients with artificial heart valves
- Spinal/Epidural hematoma may occur with spinal puncture or neuraxial anesthesia
- May cause renal failure in patients with renal impairment
- May cause liver failure in patients with hepatic impairment
Potentially Dangerous Side Effects of Xarelto
Excessive bleeding (Including gastrointestinal bleeding)
Increased risk of spinal/epidural clots
Increased stroke risk after discontinuing
May cause pregnancy related bleeding
Dangerous interactions with aspirin, ibuprofen, and anticoagulants
Many people who have taken Xarelto have been seriously hurt by excessive uncontrollable bleeding. Since there is no effective Xarelto reversal agent, even relatively minor injuries can become dangerous or even fatal. Many who have suffered Xarelto related injuries are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer for:
- Marketing Xarelto as being safer than other blood thinners
- Failing to warn consumers of potential dangers
- Not advising doctors of effective ways to stop bleeding for Xarelto
- Placing company profits ahead of public safety