Xarelto FAQ
What is Xarelto?
Xarelto (generic: rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots and strokes. Although classified as a “blood-thinner,” Xarelto actually works by preventing a natural blood component, called factor Xa, from forming clots. It does not make your blood thinner.
What’s the Problem?
The main concern with Xarelto is that it may increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhaging). This uncontrolled bleeding can mean that a patient taking Xarelto could suffer a severe bleeding event due to minor injuries. For example, a minor fall that results in slight internal bleeding could potentially be life-threatening.
What Serious Side Effects has Xarelto Been Linked to?
Xarelto has been linked to the following serious side effects:
- Internal bleeding
- Blood clots
- Brain hemorrhage
- Epidural hematoma
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Pulmonary embolism
- Severe allergic reactions
Are There Other Side Effects?
Other, less severe side effects of Xarelto may include:
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Pain or new drainage at wound sites
- Pink or red urine
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Stiff, sore, hot, or painful joint
- Unexplained swelling
- Unusual or prolonged bruising or bleeding
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- And more
How Can Xarelto Cause Internal Bleeding?
Numerous studies and hundreds of adverse event reports have linked Xarelto to severe internal bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeds. The drug is an Xa inhibitor that works by reducing thrombin from forming in the blood, which is how blood clots. If you suffer a bleed from a fall or surgical procedure, and Xarelto is in your system, your blood may not clot, leading to an internal bleeding event.
Where in the Body can Internal Bleeding Occur?
Internal bleeding may occur within tissues, organs, or in cavities of the body including the head, spinal canal, chest, and abdomen. Examples of other potential sites of bleeding include the eye and within tissues that line the heart, muscles, and joints.
What are the Symptoms of Internal Bleeding?
- Confusion or decreasing alertness
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness after an injury
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Paleness (pallor)
- Rapid pulse
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
What Does the FDA say About Xarelto?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the risk of severe, uncontrolled bleeding with Xarelto, but believes that because the drug has less risk of hemorrhagic bleeding, the benefits outweigh the risks. FDA also noted that most bleeding events linked to anticoagulants are not life-threatening and not serious when compared to the risk of stroke.
Can the Prescribing Doctor be Sued?
In cases where you or a loved one experienced severe bleeding from Xarelto, our lawyers will file a lawsuit against the manufacturers for allegedly concealing safety information regarding uncontrollable bleeding events and how to stabilize a patient once such an event has occurred. These complaints are not being filed against doctors who prescribed Xarelto, since they believed it was in the best interest of their patient to take the drug.
How Long do Xarelto Lawsuits Take?
The Xarelto litigation is still in its early stages, and hundreds or even thousands of lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming weeks and months. The first cases, known as “bellwether trials,” may begin by late 2016, which may lead to the start of large scale settlement conferences.
Has a Class Action Been Filed?
Our lawyers are not filing a Xarelto class action lawsuit, and to date no such class action has been filed over the drug in the U.S. Instead, due to the severity of injuries linked to Xarelto, we are filing individual personal injury lawsuits. Since all the injuries vary from case to case, we do not feel that a class action is appropriate, and will represent cases individually and fight for each client on a case by case basis.
What is a Multidistrict Litigation?
In December 2014, all federal lawsuits involving Xarelto were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District for Louisiana. MDLs are formed in mass tort cases where similar allegations are made in each case, against the same defendants. In order to expedite the judicial process and to conserve judicial resources, a multidistrict litigation enables thousands of cases to move forward quickly through the court system.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim?
Yes. Each state has its own specific statute of limitations (SOL) regarding the amount of time consumers have to file defective drug and product liability lawsuits. If you feel you’ve been injured, you should act now and seek legal advice because if the statute of limitations runs on your case, you will be unable to seek compensation for your injuries.
How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you and your family. It does not cost you anything to get your claim started. Feel free to contact our lawyers today for more information or if you have any questions about our contingency fees.