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Xarelto 7-10 -15

Plaintiff Attorney Press Releases

Xarelto Warning Label Not Updated Until 2014
Jul 7, 2015 | Jones Ward PLC
By JonesWardPLC

Have you taken Xarelto? Are you currently taking Xarelto? If so, you may be at risk for severe internal bleeding. Xarelto is meant to thin the blood and prevent dangerous clotting and strokes, but it can also lead to uncontrollable bleeding and even death. However, the makers of Xarelto did not adequately warn the public of this safety concern and many people are unaware of the risks. That is why our Xarelto attorneys are currently reviewing cases for people across the country.
Xarelto Injury Lawsuits Publishes New Examination Of Mounting Cases Against The Drug
Jul 8, 2015 | Marketers Media

Xarelto, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG, is a drug designed to help thin the blood, but has been so effective in that endeavor that it has allegedly caused uncontrollable bleeding events that have resulted in 400 lawsuits being filed for hospitalization, injury and even death.
Xarelto Lawsuit News: Status Conference to Address Discovery
Jul 9, 2015 | PRWEB
By Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson, LLC

Attorneys handling national Xarelto lawsuits for allegations of internal bleeding anticipate the July Status Conference; the Onder Law Firm provides timely Xarelto lawsuit news and Xarelto warning information at their Xarelto Contingency Lawsuit website.
Xarelto Lawsuits: Oregon Lawyers Filing Claims For Internal Bleeding
| Blood Thinner Help
By Marc Goldich

With more than 11 million prescriptions in America since its initial FDA approval, Xarelto has quickly become the leading blood thinner in its class in America. However, Xarelto has been the center of controversy as of late due to recently published studies which link the blockbuster drug to dangerous side effects including severe internal bleeding.

Plaintiff Attorney Blogs

Xarelto Lawsuit Claims Life-Threatening GI Bleeding
Jul 3, 2015 | Top Class Actions
By Ashley Vanover

A Tennessee couple has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the blood thinning drug Xarelto (rivaroxaban), alleging that Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson) produced and marketed a dangerous and defective drug.
Xarelto Lawsuit News: Dates of Bellwether Trials Set For 2016
Jul 3, 2015 | The Legal Examiner
By Marc Goldich

The dates for the first bellwether trials in the pending Xarelto litigation are planned to begin in August of 2016, according to minute entries from a June 22nd meeting.
Wendy Fleishman Discusses Dangerous Side Effects from Xarelto
Jul 5, 2015 | Prescription Drug Injuries
By Lieff Cabraser of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein

Patients charge that Xarelto is a dangerous and defective drug because in certain patients it triggers uncontrolled bleeding and other life-threatening complications. Xarelto was approved in July 2011 to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing knee and hip surgeries, and its use has been expanded, including to patients with irregular heartbeats or facing a strong likelihood of blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Xarelto Plaintiffs Selected For First MDL Bellwether Trials
Jul 5, 2015 | 24-7LawsuitsNews.com

50 plaintiffs have been selected to participate in the first bellwether trials in August of 2016 for multidistrict litigation concerning the serious bleeding incidents connected to the blood-thinning drug Xarelto.
Fatal Intracerebral Hemorrhage Allegedly Caused by Xarelto
Jul 6, 2015 | Injury Lawyer News
By Jacky Gale

A widow from Missouri has filed a Xarelto lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, et al. to demand that the defendants be held liable for the death of her husband.
Xarelto Lawsuit News: Missouri Widow Alleges Drug Caused Wrongful Death of Husband
Jul 7, 2015 | The Legal Examiner
By Marc Goldich

A new lawsuit has been filed in relation to the dangerous side effects of Xarelto – a prescription blood thinner sold in America. The lawsuit joins more than 500 similar complaints currently pending in the Multi-district Litigation (MDL No. 2592) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Ohio Couple Files Xarelto Lawsuit
Jul 7, 2015 | The Legal Examiner
By Meredith Friesen

Ohio plaintiffs William and Virginia B. recently filed a Xarelto lawsuit after William suffered from severe injuries as a result of taking Xarelto.
Recent Study Links Xarelto Use to Eye Bleeding
Jul 8, 2015 | Texas Injury Law Blog
By Majed Nachawati

In the recent June 2015 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers studied some of Xarelto's disturbing side effects, further calling into question the safety of the drug. These scientists studied the link between Xarelto usage and the possibility of an increase in stomach bleeds and eye hemorrhaging.
Xarelto Lawsuit News: Status Conference to Address Discovery
Jul 10, 2015 | Dr. Hou GlobMed Organization
By Jim Onder

Attorneys handling national Xarelto lawsuits which are among those consolidated as MDL No. 2592 announce the July Case Management Conference will take place today, July 9, 2015.* Counsel for Plaintiffs and Defendants have been meeting over the past month to negotiate a proposed Case Management Order No. 2, which was submitted last week, according to court documents.
Xarelto Treatment Linked To Eye Bleeds
Jul 10, 2015 | Righting Injustice
By Jennifer Walker- Journey

Patients transitioning from the long-used blood thinner warfarin to the newer anticoagulant Xarelto for treatment of atrial fibrillation may be more prone to spontaneous bleeding in the eye.
New Xarelto Lawsuits Filed in 2015
Jul 10, 2015 | G&E Attorney Advertising

21 cases from 10 districts over the blood-thinning drug Xarelto were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (“MDL”) for pretrial proceedings before Judge Fallon in New Orleans. Meanwhile, more Xarelto lawsuits continue to mount, with 86 suits pending, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s January 15, 2015 monthly report
Xarelto Lawsuit Update: New Report Suggests Link Between Rivaroxaban and Vitreous Hemorrhaging
Jul 10, 2015 | Lowe, Eklund, Wakefield Blog
By Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA

One month has passed since Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA apprised readers of the dangers of Xarelto (Rivaroxaban), and in that brief period a new report has surfaced that could implicate the anti-coagulant in a host of new injury claims.
Strokes, Blood Thinners, Bleeding Out: FDA Foolishness and a need for New Rules
Jul 10, 2015 | OpEdNews.com
By Douglas A. Wallace

Elderly people are being convinced by medical professionals to a daily intake of blood thinners without fully explaining the risks of bleed out. Pradaxa has a national lawsuit against it for unstoppable internal bleeding by Ambulance chasing attorneys. It is time for the FDA to close the loophole and require that the major pharmaceuticals develop an antidote or take it off the market.
Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuits Heading to Trial
Jul 10, 2015 | The Legal Examiner
By Shezad Malik MD JD

Xarelto uncontrollable bleeding litigation is slowly moving ahead. Xarelto is one of the newer oral anticoagulant medications that has been approved by the FDA. The federal Xarelto personal injury and product liability claims are centralized before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Plaintiff Attorney Press Releases

Xarelto Warning Label Not Updated Until 2014

Jul 7, 2015 | Jones Ward PLC

By JonesWardPLC

Have you taken Xarelto? Are you currently taking Xarelto? If so, you may be at risk for severe internal bleeding. Xarelto is meant to thin the blood and prevent dangerous clotting and strokes, but it can also lead to uncontrollable bleeding and even death. However, the makers of Xarelto did not adequately warn the public of this safety concern and many people are unaware of the risks. That is why our Xarelto attorneys are currently reviewing cases for people across the country.
Xarelto “Black Box” Warning
An updated warning label ordered by the FDA was added to Xarelto in January of 2014. This newest label includes a “black box” warning, which is the most serious label available. It advises users that Xarelto may increase the risk of spinal hematomas, which can lead to permanent paralysis. The new label also warns users that Xarelto has no antidote to reverse the effects of internal bleeding. The problem here is that the makers of Xarelto, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson, buried information surrounding Xarelto’s lack of antidote. They knew that the drug had no reversal-agent when they first developed the drug, yet they didn’t provide an adequate warning until 2014.
Because of this, doctors and patients could not have known about the risks of Xarelto and its link to uncontrollable bleeding.Xarelto Risks
People who should NOT take Xarelto include:Patients with history of bleeding problemsPregnant/nursing womenPeople with liver or kidney problems
You may have a higher risk of internal bleeding if you take these drugs in conjunction with Xarelto:AspirinOther drugs that treat blood clotsWarfarin sodiumAny drugs containing heparin
You may have a higher risk for spinal hematomas, which can lead to paralysis if you:Have a history of spinal problemsHistory of epidural puncturesHave an epidural catheter administered prior to surgeryXarelto-related Bleeding Treatments
Since there is no way to stop bleeding caused by Xarelto, there are only limited ways to treat an internal bleeding event. Once you stop taking Xarelto, the drug remains in your system for up to 24 hours, and cannot be flushed out. Because of this, based on the severity of the bleed, emergency room doctors may choose to monitor the bleed, perform blood transfusions and fluid replacements, or mechanically compress the bleed site. Sometime the bleed is so severe that nothing can be done to reverse it, leading to death. Another risk lies in the fact that once a person stops using Xarelto, they may be in danger of a stroke or clot.Contact a Xarelto Attorney
The drug makers failed to provide adequate warnings for Xarelto and put thousands of people at risk of dangerous internal bleeding. If you or someone you love has endured a serious bleed caused by Xarelto, our attorneys are here to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. To find out your legal options, fill out our online form today or call us 888-595-2922

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Xarelto Injury Lawsuits Publishes New Examination Of Mounting Cases Against The Drug

Jul 8, 2015 | Marketers Media

Beverly Hills, CA, United States of America - July 7, 2015 /MarketersMedia/ — Xarelto, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG, is a drug designed to help thin the blood, but has been so effective in that endeavor that it has allegedly caused uncontrollable bleeding events that have resulted in 400 lawsuits being filed for hospitalization, injury and even death. With this news becoming more widespread, many people who may be affected by the scandal are looking for more information. Xarelto Injury Lawsuits is a website created by injury lawyers The Meldofsky Firm to enable people to find out more.
The website has just been updated with new information on the cases as they arise. They explain that this FDA approved drug is primarily dangerous because unlike alternatives which can be controlled through Vitamin B, Xarelto has no known antidote (http://xareltoinjurylawsuits.info/what-are-xarelto-side-effects/). The site lists these and other claims made by those filing suits and other pre-trial information so individuals can understand the full scale of the allegations.
The site also reports on the recent formation of an MDL mechanism to streamline the processing of every Xarelto lawsuit coming through, and describe the decision by courts in Pennsylvania where many of the first suits were filed to go to trial using a consolidated mass tort group to save on the resources consumed by the action.
XareltoInjuryLawsuits.info also gives sufferer’s access to The Meldofsky Firm who act on behalf of those who have been affected by Xarelto, to get the compensation they deserve. The Meldofsky Firm has seen firsthand the devastation the drug can cause and will fight to ensure their clients are fully compensated not only for the fiscal effect this has had on their life, but also the emotional cost.
A spokesperson for Xarelto Injury Lawsuits explained, “Massive shifts are currently being undertaken and we know for a fact that not all those out there who may have been affected by Xarelto have come forward yet, meaning this news is only going to get bigger. That’s why we provide live updates and round the clock analysis to ensure those staying close to the story can find the latest developments as they unfold. Individuals should check back regularly to see how this situation develops.”
About Xarelto Injury Lawsuits: Xarelto Injury Lawsuits is the best source available online for keeping abreast of the mounting lawsuits filed against the Xarelto manufacturers. The resource was created by The Meldofsky Firm to enable people to discover more about the dangerous side effects patients have experienced. The Meldofsky Firm specializes in defective device and dangerous drug injury cases.

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Xarelto Lawsuit News: Status Conference to Address Discovery

Jul 9, 2015 | PRWEB

By Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson, LLC

Attorneys handling national Xarelto lawsuits which are among those consolidated as MDL No. 2592 announce the July Case Management Conference will take place today, July 9, 2015.* Counsel for Plaintiffs and Defendants have been meeting over the past month to negotiate a proposed Case Management Order No. 2, which was submitted last week, according to court documents. The proposed Case Management Order, which addresses matters related to discovery and bellweather trials, will be addressed at tomorrow’s Status Conference, according to court documents.
Xarelto lawsuits that have been consolidated as Multidistrict Litigation No. 2592 Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Products Liability Litigation now number over 500, according to court documents. Each of these Xarelto lawsuits was filed by a person or family member of a person who allegedly suffered severe internal bleeding as a result of taking Xarelto, a side effect which the lawsuits allege is more common and more severe than the drug’s warning label indicates, according to court documents. Plaintiffs say that had they been properly warned about the alleged risk of severe internal bleeding, they would not have chosen to take Xarelto, according to court documents.
In June of 2013, Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals received a written warning from the FDA stating the risk of severe internal bleeding had been understated on the product’s packaging.** Federal regulators said the companies’ marketing for Xarelto was “false or misleading” because it “minimizes the risks associated with Xarelto and makes a misleading claim”. In short, plaintiffs allege the company overstated the usefulness of Xarelto and concealed the danger of internal bleeding, according to court documents.* The MDL is underway in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Xarelto attorneys offer up-to-date Xarelto lawsuit news and safety information at their website, and also provide free Xarelto lawsuit case evaluation to persons who believe they may have grounds for a claim. If you or a loved one suffered from severe internal bleeding, a hemorrhagic stroke, or another serious health condition while taking Xarelto, you qualify for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. Xarelto attorneys are investigating inquiries for possible internal bleeding lawsuits.
The Onder Law Firm is renowned for its achievements in product and consumer safety litigation, with a strong track record of winning meaningful settlements for clients. The firm is nationally-renowned for its work on window blind strangulation, and has notable expertise in fighting on behalf of individuals against powerful corporations. Individuals and the family members of individuals who have suffered from internal bleeding and have taken Xarelto are eligible for a no-cost, no-obligation Xarelto lawsuit case review, and may contact the firm through its Xarelto Contingency Lawsuit website.
The Onder Law Firm also welcomes Xarelto lawsuit inquiries from other law firms, either to handle these inquiries or work as co-counsel.
About The Onder Law Firm
Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson, LLC is a St. Louis based personal injury law firm handling serious injury and death claims across the country. Its mission is the pursuit of justice, no matter how complex the case or strenuous the effort. Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson has represented clients throughout the United States, and other firms throughout the nation often seek its experience and expertise on complex litigation. It is a recognized leader in products liability cases such as window blind cord strangulation and pharmaceutical litigation. The Onder Law Firms Xarelto attorneys provide information to the public athttp://www.XareltoContingencyLawsuit.com.

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Xarelto Lawsuits: Oregon Lawyers Filing Claims For Internal Bleeding

| Blood Thinner Help

By Marc Goldich

With more than 11 million prescriptions in America since its initial FDA approval, Xarelto has quickly become the leading blood thinner in its class in America.
However, Xarelto has been the center of controversy as of late due to recently published studies which link the blockbuster drug to dangerous side effects including severe internal bleeding.
As a result, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the drug’s manufacturing and marketing companies for negligence and other allegations.
This article gives a brief overview of pending Xarelto litigation including helpful resources for individuals and families in Oregon wishing to file a Xarelto lawsuit.
Xarelto: A Closer Look At America’s Leading Prescription Blood Thinner
Xarelto was initially approved by the FDA in 2011 for the purpose of reducing the risk of blood clots in patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgeries.
However, the drug has since received approval for several other uses and is now approved for six total uses.
These approvals, along with certain benefits over traditional blood thinners, have helped Xarelto to become the leading prescription blood thinner in its class.
What Is The Difference Between Xarelto & Warfarin?
Xarelto and Coumadin are both prescription blood thinners which have similar characteristics and are both used for similar purposes. However, despite the similarities among these two drugs, they are in fact very much different.
Coumadin is a brand name of generic warfarin sodium – a traditional blood thinner.
Xarelto is the brand name of the generic drug rivaroxaban, which is part of a new class of prescription blood thinner known as Novel Oral Anticoagulants or NOACs for short.
Warfarin and rivaroxaban are similar in that they are used as a blood thinning medication, but there are certain distinctions to be aware of which make these drugs different.
Touted Benefits of Xarelto Over Traditional Blood Thinners
One key difference between Xarelto and traditional blood thinners is has to do with the dosage and required maintenance.
Traditional blood thinners, such as warfarin, use varying doses depending on patient-specific factors. Additionally, these blood thinners require constant maintenance including frequent blood testing.
On the other hand, Xarelto uses a one dose for all patients and is said to require much less maintenance when compared to traditional blood thinning medications.
Xarelto’s one-size-fits-all prescription and comparatively low maintenance requirements have both contributed to the drug’s blockbuster success in recent years.
The Dangerous Difference
Despite the drug’s convenience, recent studies have found that Xarelto benefits are not without significant flaws.
Warfarin works to thin the blood by affecting the production levels of natural blood clotting agents which rely on vitamin K.
In the unfortunate event that a traditional blood thinner causes excessive bleeding, a high dose of vitamin K can be prescribed to a patient to thwart the effects of the medication and reverse the blood thinning process.
However, Xarelto is what is known as an Xa Inhibitor and works to thin the blood by affecting a protein called Factor Xa which contributes to the blood thinning process.
While it is effective at thinning blood, Xarelto does not have a known antidote or reversal agent to stop the effects of the medication. Therefore, minor bleeding incidents can quickly escalate into severe bleeding causing individuals to suffer serious injury or even death.
Internal Bleeding Incidents In Oregon Linked To Xarelto
People throughout the country have been prescribed Xarelto due to its popularity over the last few years.
By using population data from the US Census Bureau in addition to statistics from clinical trials, we have been able to estimate the total number of major internal bleeding incidents in the State of Oregon and its five largest cities.
By weighting the population of Oregon relative to total US population we estimate that out of the 11 million total Xarelto prescriptions in America, approximately 136,905 were in the State of Oregon.
After applying a major bleeding incidence rate of 1.7% taken from the Rocket AF clinical trials, we estimate that approximately 2,328 of the prescriptions in Oregon resulted in a major bleeding incident.
Additionally, we have estimated the total number of major bleeding incidents in the following cities throughout Oregon:Portland – 364Salem – 95Eugene – 94Gresham – 64Hillsboro – 59
Note: The numbers mentioned above are onlyestimates based on available information and includes certain assumptions. Therefore, the actual number of internal bleeding incidents linked to Xarelto may be different from the aforementioned estimates.
Oregon Families Filing Xarelto Lawsuits
Hundreds of Xarelto lawsuits have now been filed across the country as a result of the recent findings linking the drug to dangerous bleeding incidents.
These lawsuits allege that certain companies involved in the manufacturing and marketing of Xarelto acted negligently. Specifically, plaintiffs in these Xarelto lawsuits allege that Bayer AG and Janssen pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) failed to warn the public about risks associated with the drug and also failed to perform sufficient safety testing.
In addition to pursuing compensation for financial and emotional damages, plaintiffs wish to hold these companies responsible for negligent actions.
Contact BloodThinnerHelp.com For Assistance
Families in Oregon have already contacted BloodThinnerHelp.com for assistance in pursuing justice in a Xarelto lawsuit.
If you or a loved one took Xarelto and sustained serious internal bleeding as a result, you may be eligible to file a Xarelto lawsuit.
While our lawyers are not licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon, we are licensed in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington D.C. and New Jersey.
Due to the fact that the defendants in these lawsuits perform substantial business in these states, our Xarelto lawyers are able to file claims in those state on behalf of individuals from throughout the country.
If you prefer to work with a local attorney in Oregon we still would encourage you to contact us. Our involvement in this litigation has provided us with close working relationships with some of the most qualified Xarelto lawyers throughout the US and we would be happy to assist you in finding a lawyer that is right for you.
Our team is dedicated to assisting all of those in pursuit of justice in Xarelto lawsuits and are here to answer any questions that may arise.
Call us today!

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Plaintiff Attorney Blogs

Xarelto Lawsuit Claims Life-Threatening GI Bleeding

Jul 3, 2015 | Top Class Actions

By Ashley Vanover

A Tennessee couple has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the blood thinning drug Xarelto (rivaroxaban), alleging that Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson) produced and marketed a dangerous and defective drug.
In the Xarelto lawsuit, plaintiffs Charles and Margaret G. accuse the manufacturers of purposely concealing important safety information from the medical community, the FDA, and the public. They also allege that the manufacturers did not test the drug enough before it was put on the market.
Charles was prescribed Xarelto in December 2013 to treat a medical condition known as atrial fibrillation. He took the drug as directed, but suffered serious and dangerous side effects including life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding in June 2014. Charles had to be hospitalized and undergo blood transfusions.
Charles claims the drug should not be sold and that Bayer and Johnson & Johnson continued to sell it even though they knew the risks. Charles’ Xarelto lawsuit is seeking compensatory, economic, and punitive damages. Charles’ wife is joining the Xarelto lawsuit, seeking damages for emotional distress, medical expenses and loss of consortium.
FDA Warns of Xarelto Bleeding Risks
Rivaroxaban, marketed under the brand name Xarelto, is a prescription blood thinner designed to stop blood coagulation. Manufactured by Bayer and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2011, Xarelto is often given to patients who undergo joint replacement surgery or have non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Despite its wide use, Xarelto has been linked to an increased risk of serious bleeding, stroke, blood clots, and other serious side effects. In August 2013, the FDA required Bayer to change the warning label on packages of Xarelto.
Xarelto Injury
Injuries associated with Xarelto side effects are potentially life-threatening and include serious bleeding events, pulmonary bleeding, and deep vein thrombosis.
Serious Bleeding Events: Uncontrollable Xarelto bleeding can be very dangerous, often requiring extended hospitalization. In severe cases, it can result in death. Major Xarelto bleeding events can include gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, brain aneurism, hemorrhagic stroke, and more.
Pulmonary Bleeding: Pulmonary bleeding or pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot formed in the legs or pelvis travels to the lungs. Pulmonary bleeding can cause difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and sudden death.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein—most often in the legs. Complications of DVT include swelling of the legs, leg pain, and pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
Unlike other blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), there are no counteracting drugs for Xarelto and no way to reverse its effects. This can increase the risk of severe injury or death in the event of major bleeding.
If you or someone you love took Xarelto and developed any of these complications, you may be eligible for compensation.
The Xarelto Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-01571-MBN, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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Xarelto Lawsuit News: Dates of Bellwether Trials Set For 2016

Jul 3, 2015 | The Legal Examiner

By Marc Goldich

The dates for the first bellwether trials in the pending Xarelto litigation are planned to begin in August of 2016, according to minute entries from a June 22nd meeting.
Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has ordered the selection of fifty cases from the Xarelto Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to be included for potential bellwether trials.
Judge Fallon also mentioned that the first trial is planned to begin on August 1st, 2016.About Xarelto & Pending Lawsuits
Xarelto is a popular anticoagulant drug – also known as a blood thinner – which is prescribed for the prevention of blood clots, stroke and related medical conditions.
After its FDA approval in 2011, Xarelto quickly became the leading blood thinner in its class with more than 11 million prescriptions in the US to date.
However, the drug has come under fire recently after studies linked the blood thinner to serious side effects including uncontrollable bleeding.
Due to these recent findings, people throughout the country are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers and distributors of the drug claiming that the companies were negligent.
Among other accusations, Plaintiffs in these cases allege that Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson did not provide sufficient safety testing and failed to report dangerous side effects of Xarelto which the companies had been aware of.Xarelto Lawyers Assisting Plaintiffs
“The results of these initial bellwether trials will be very helpful for our clients and all other parties involved in the Xarelto litigation,” commented Stephen A. Sheller, Esq. in response to the recent developments.
Sheller is a sponsor of the online resource BloodThinnerHelp.com which provides information about Xarelto lawsuits, as well as access to legal representation for those who wish to file a complaint.

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Wendy Fleishman Discusses Dangerous Side Effects from Xarelto

Jul 5, 2015 | Prescription Drug Injuries

By Lieff Cabraser of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein

Patients charge that Xarelto is a dangerous and defective drug because in certain patients it triggers uncontrolled bleeding and other life-threatening complications. Xarelto was approved in July 2011 to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing knee and hip surgeries, and its use has been expanded, including to patients with irregular heartbeats or facing a strong likelihood of blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Lieff Cabraser attorney Wendy Fleishman has produced this video summarizing the dangers of Xarelto and the rights of patients harmed by the drug. You can view the video below.Wendy Fleishman on Dangerous Xarelto Side Effects and Lawsuits
The Xarelto lawsuits allege that the drug can cause major bleeding in the GI tract. If a Xarelto patient has an emergency bleeding event -- such as from a severe injury or major brain or GI tract bleeding -- the results can be fatal.
If you or a family member have taken Xarelto and suffered a bleeding injury, pleasecontact Lieff Cabraser for a prompt and confidential evaluation of your case. There is no charge or obligation for our review. Or call us toll-free at 1 888-321-1510 and ask to speak to attorney Paulina do Amaral.
View video here: https://youtu.be/TEldcNgllLU

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Xarelto Plaintiffs Selected For First MDL Bellwether Trials

Jul 5, 2015 | 24-7LawsuitsNews.com

50 plaintiffs have been selected to participate in the first bellwether trials in August of 2016 for multidistrict litigation concerning the serious bleeding incidents connected to the blood-thinning drug Xarelto.
The first bellwether trials for multidistrict litigation relating to the blood-thinning drug Xarelto have been set to begin in August of 2016. More than 400 lawsuits are currently included in the MDL against Xarelto manufacturers Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson, and 50 plaintiffs from those cases have been selected to participate in the bellwether trials before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the Eastern District of Louisiana federal court. The bellwether trials are expected to take place between August and October of 2016.
The claims against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson's medication Xarelto stem from a bevy of serious bleeding incidents that have taken place connected to their drug. The drug, intended to work as a blood thinner to help prevent heart complications and strokes, was discovered to lack a blocking agent that could help clot the blood in the event of a bleeding accident. This feature of the blood-thinner was crucial in Xarelto's predecessor drug Warfarin, which included Vitamin K as the ingredient that assisted in clotting a patient's blood. The plaintiffs claim that Xarelto's lack of a reverse agent has contributed directly to the dozens of bleeding injuries connected to the drug.
Xarelto became popular almost instantly after its initial FDA approval in 2011, selling over ten million units since its introduction to the market. The medication peaked in 2013, when its net sales reached $2 billion. However, reports began to surface of minor bleeding incidents involving Xarelto turning serious and sometimes fatal because of a patient's inability to staunch the affected area and stop bleeding. More than 50 deaths have allegedly been connected to bleeding injuries suffered in patients using Xarelto.
The lawsuits that originally filed for an MDL were transferred in December of 2014. Only 33 lawsuits were transferred at the time, though since then the total has grown to more than 400 with some lawyers estimating the final number could pass 1,000 lawsuits. This number takes into account more than 100 Xarleto lawsuits that are currently pending in state court in Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs are claiming that the manufacturers of Xarelto were aware of the severe bleeding risk the medications posed to patients and chose not to affix an adequate warning to the drugs because of the profits they were making off their sales.
New studies related to Xarleto have also highlighted concerns regarding the drug's connection to internal bleeding. Doctors and the British Medical Journal have both published reports linking Xarleto to a rise in the risk of both eye hemorrhaging and stomach bleeding when compared to the drug's predecessor Warfarin.
The Xarelto MDL recently had what Judge Fallon referred to as a "Science Day," where both sides were able to present information on many of the complex topics relate to the claims filed against the defendants in an informal hearing. Many of the topics involved information relating to the bleeding issues at the heart of the plaintiffs' claims, including presentations on anticoagulants and atrial fibrillation. Judge Fallon will hear the next status conference in the Xarelto MDL this week on July 9.

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Fatal Intracerebral Hemorrhage Allegedly Caused by Xarelto

Jul 6, 2015 | Injury Lawyer News

By Jacky Gale

A widow from Missouri has filed a Xarelto lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, et al. to demand that the defendants be held liable for the death of her husband. Dixie A. Smith, surviving spouse of Jay Christopher Smith, filed the complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where it joins similar lawsuits pending in multidistrict litigation (MDL) No. 2592 before Judge Fallon.
The plaintiff contends that had her late husband never taken the defendants’ medication, Xarelto, he would not have suffered a deadlyintracerebral hemorrhage. Ms. Smith is suing for compensatory damages for past, present, and future economic expenditures incurred as a result of the decedent’s use of Xarelto, including medical and funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and support, and loss of the prospective net accumulations of an estate.
Decedent suffered intracerebral hemorrhage
The decedent’s physician prescribed Xarelto (rivaroxaban) during December of 2012. He continued to take the medication as prescribed until May of 2013. On May 4, the decedent was admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), at which point the hospital staff discontinued his use of Xarelto. He was transferred to the care of a specialty hospital unit on May 18 and on May 22 he died of the intracerebral hemorrhage.
According to Ms. Smith’s Xarelto lawsuit, her late husband’s passing was a direct result of his use of rivaroxaban, which he reportedly never would have taken had he been fully informed of the risks.Xarelto is an anticoagulant or blood thinner that is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of blood clots. The medication is intended to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications caused by blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Clinical reviews of Xarelto
The product liability lawsuit regarding Xarelto draws attention to several reviews and clinical studies of the drug, including a 2012 report issued by The Institute for Safe Medication Practices. This report stated that there had been “356 reports of serious, disabling, or fatal injury in which rivaroxaban was the primary suspect drug. The report more than doubled from the previous quarter total of 128 cases.”
The organization brought these statistics to the attention of the defendants, who reportedly advised The Institute for Safe Medication Practices that the data did not reflect any safety issues that required action. Ms. Smith’s Xarelto lawsuit alleges that the defendants prioritized profit over patient safety.
Her complaint further claims that the defendants concealed their knowledge of the severe and life-threatening complications of Xarelto from consumers and the medical community. The lawsuit notes that the pharmaceutical giants failed to highlight the risks of uncontrollable bleeding events, nor did they provide medical protocols for stabilizing patients suffering from these bleeding events.
Xarelto had been marketed as a replacement for an older blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin). Warfarin has been used for years for patients who may be at a higher risk of blood clots. However, patients taking warfarin required regular medical monitoring and dietary restrictions, which Xarelto had promised to eliminate.

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Xarelto Lawsuit News: Missouri Widow Alleges Drug Caused Wrongful Death of Husband

Jul 7, 2015 | The Legal Examiner

By Marc Goldich

A new lawsuit has been filed in relation to the dangerous side effects of Xarelto – a prescription blood thinner sold in America. The lawsuit joins more than 500 similar complaints currently pending in the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 2592) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In this particular complaint, a widow from Missouri has filed a complaint against Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare – three companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of Xarelto in the U.S. – alleging that the negligence of these firms led to her husband’s wrongful death.
According to reports, the decedent was prescribed Xarelto in December of 2012 by his physician. He continued to use Xarelto until May 4th, 2013, at which point he was admitted to an intensive care unit where the hospital staff discontinued his use of the drug.
On May 22nd, 2013 the man died from an intracerebral hemorrhage which is a type of stroke caused by bleeding within the brain tissue.
The plaintiff in this case argues that her husband would not have taken Xarelto had he known about the risks associated with the drug.
She is suing to recover compensatory damages including medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and funeral expenses incurred as a result of her husband’s use of Xarelto.
In addition to other allegations, the plaintiff claims that the defendants failed to warn the public about the dangers of certain Xarelto side effects and furthermore, intentionally hid information about risks associated with the drug.Xarelto Lawsuits Being Filed Nationwide
Hundreds of Xarelto lawsuits have been filed across the country in relation to Xarelto after recently published studies linked the drug to dangerous side effects including uncontrollable internal bleeding.
“The number of cases in the Xarelto MDL is growing exponentially as we had anticipated,” noted Stephen A. Sheller, Esq. in response to the addition of this case.
“We are doing our best to inform people of their legal options with regard to the pending litigation and help those who wish to file a complaint,” Sheller continued.
Sheller is a sponsor of an BloodThinnerHelp.com which provides helpful resources and access to legal representation for those who may have been harmed by Xarelto.

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Ohio Couple Files Xarelto Lawsuit

Jul 7, 2015 | The Legal Examiner

By Meredith Friesen

Ohio plaintiffs William and Virginia B. recently filed a Xarelto lawsuit after William suffered from severe injuries as a result of taking Xarelto.
This Xarelto lawsuit is just one of hundreds that Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals face, claiming the drug causes severe internal bleeding side effects, which were not adequately warned about on the drug’s warning label.About Xarelto
Xarelto is an anticoagulant (a blood thinner) that is approved to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to reduce the risk of these conditions in patients who are undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery.
Xarelto is the second of a new generation of anticoagulants designed as alternatives to Warfarin, the previous leading blood thinner. Warfarin required patients to undergo blood testing and to adhere to a strict diet. Xarelto, and other new blood thinners, were presented as being easier to use, as there was no blood testing required and no diet restrictions.
However, many patients, including William, have suffered from Xarelto side effects. Xarelto bleeding has caused William and others to suffer, “serious and dangerous side effects including inter alia life-threatening bleeding, as well as other severe and personal injuries which are permanent and lasting in nature, physical pain and mental anguish, including diminished enjoyment of life,” according to the Xarelto lawsuit.Xarelto Lawsuit
William began to take Xarelto in November 2013 to treat atrial fibrillation. He stopped using the medication on April 29, 2014, when he had a brain hemorrhage which nearly cost him his life. His Xarelto side effects required him to be hospitalized and to pay for expensive medical care.
William’s wife, Virginia, suffered from loss of consortium, which translates to loss of intimacy with a spouse.
Xarelto was approved in 2011, yet already it has caused countless individuals to suffer from Xarelto bleeding. It has been suggested that Xarelto bleeding could be reduced if patients underwent blood tests to see if the dosage (available at 20mg, 15mg, and 10 mg) needs to be changed.
One of the greatest dangers with Xarelto side effects is the fact that there is no antidote for Xarelto bleeding. While Warfarin patients sometimes did suffer from internal bleeding, there was an antidote that could be administered should this occur. There is no such option for Xarelto bleeding patients.
The Xarelto lawsuit states that the defendants failed to warn about the lack of antidote, “but instead only mentioned this important fact in the overdosage section,” according to the plaintiffs.
Claims in this Xarelto lawsuit, which has been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation, include: negligence, strict products liability, breach of express and implied warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and deceit, violation of consumer sales practices act, and loss of consortium.
Loved ones of individuals who died from Xarelto bleeding may file a Xarelto wrongful death lawsuit.
This Xarelto Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-01886 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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Recent Study Links Xarelto Use to Eye Bleeding

Jul 8, 2015 | Texas Injury Law Blog

By Majed Nachawati

In the recent June 2015 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers studied some of Xarelto's disturbing side effects, further calling into question the safety of the drug. These scientists studied the link between Xarelto usage and the possibility of an increase in stomach bleeds and eye hemorrhaging. Drs. Judy H. Hun and John C. Hwang found that patients in their 70s and 80s who had taken Xarelto after transitioning from warfarin had experience eye bleeding known as vitreous hemorrhages.
Because this particular side effect was linked to patients who had transitioned from warfarin to rivaroxaban (the generic of Xarelto), the doctors warn that other clinicians should be made aware of this potential side effect in their patients. Given that more and more doctors are prescribing Xarelto because it requires less monitoring by doctors themselves. However, given studies like these, doctors should be wary of prescribing Xarelto to patients and closely monitor them for any possible side effects.
Legal Commentary
Xarelto attorneys within our firm are studying, examining and investigating current Xarelto claims on behalf of people and their families who may have been injured by the drug. Some of the side effects include hemorrhaging, internal bleeding, stroke and or death. If you or a loved one has experienced any side effects while taking Xarelto, contact our Xarelto lawyers to discuss the facts of your potential case. We are available by phone for a free consultation at1.866.705.7584 or by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com.
About the Author
Majed Nachawati is a dedicated Xarelto Lawyer with a focus on representing victims and families harmed by this dangerous drug on a nationwide basis. Mr. Nachawati has resolved numerous dangerous drug medication cases through trial and settlement that have resulted in seven and eight figure confidential settlements. He is on the Grievance Committee for the State Bar of Texas. He is licensed to practice in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Nachawati is a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Board of Directors for Public Justice, a Leaders’ Forum and PAC member of the American Association for Justice. Mr. Nachawati has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly Magazine for the past six consecutive years for legal excellence, in connection with noteworthy settlements for pharmaceutical injury cases. Mr. Nachawati is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Nachawati can be reached by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by calling 1.866.705.7584.

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Xarelto Lawsuit News: Status Conference to Address Discovery

Jul 10, 2015 | Dr. Hou GlobMed Organization

By Jim Onder

Attorneys handling national Xarelto lawsuits which are among those consolidated as MDL No. 2592 announce the July Case Management Conference will take place today, July 9, 2015.* Counsel for Plaintiffs and Defendants have been meeting over the past month to negotiate a proposed Case Management Order No. 2, which was submitted last week, according to court documents. The proposed Case Management Order, which addresses matters related to discovery and bellweather trials, will be addressed at tomorrow’s Status Conference, according to court documents.
Xarelto lawsuits that have been consolidated as Multidistrict Litigation No. 2592 Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Products Liability Litigation now number over 500, according to court documents. Each of these Xarelto lawsuits was filed by a person or family member of a person who allegedly suffered severe internal bleeding as a result of taking Xarelto, a side effect which the lawsuits allege is more common and more severe than the drug’s warning label indicates, according to court documents. Plaintiffs say that had they been properly warned about the alleged risk of severe internal bleeding, they would not have chosen to take Xarelto, according to court documents.
In June of 2013, Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals received a written warning from the FDA stating the risk of severe internal bleeding had been understated on the product’s packaging.** Federal regulators said the companies’ marketing for Xarelto was “false or misleading” because it “minimizes the risks associated with Xarelto and makes a misleading claim”. In short, plaintiffs allege the company overstated the usefulness of Xarelto and concealed the danger of internal bleeding, according to court documents.* The MDL is underway in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Xarelto attorneys offer up-to-date Xarelto lawsuit news and safety information at their website, and also provide free Xarelto lawsuit case evaluation to persons who believe they may have grounds for a claim. If you or a loved one suffered from severe internal bleeding, a hemorrhagic stroke, or another serious health condition while taking Xarelto, you qualify for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. Xarelto attorneys are investigating inquiries for possible internal bleeding lawsuits.
The Onder Law Firm is renowned for its achievements in product and consumer safety litigation, with a strong track record of winning meaningful settlements for clients. The firm is nationally-renowned for its work on window blind strangulation, and has notable expertise in fighting on behalf of individuals against powerful corporations. Individuals and the family members of individuals who have suffered from internal bleeding and have taken Xarelto are eligible for a no-cost, no-obligation Xarelto lawsuit case review, and may contact the firm through its Xarelto Contingency Lawsuit website.
The Onder Law Firm also welcomes Xarelto lawsuit inquiries from other law firms, either to handle these inquiries or work as co-counsel.

Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson, LLC is a St. Louis based personal injury law firm handling serious injury and death claims across the country. Its mission is the pursuit of justice, no matter how complex the case or strenuous the effort. Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson has represented clients throughout the United States, and other firms throughout the nation often seek its experience and expertise on complex litigation. It is a recognized leader in products liability cases such as window blind cord strangulation and pharmaceutical litigation. The Onder Law Firms Xarelto attorneys provide information to the public athttp://www.XareltoContingencyLawsuit.com.

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Xarelto Treatment Linked To Eye Bleeds

Jul 10, 2015 | Righting Injustice

By Jennifer Walker- Journey

Patients transitioning from the long-used blood thinner warfarin to the newer anticoagulant Xarelto for treatment of atrial fibrillation may be more prone tospontaneous bleeding in the eye.
Spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage, a condition in which blood leaks into the eye, is a common cause of acute vision loss. It occurs in about seven out of 100,000 people in the general population. However, a study published June 25 in JAMA Ophthalmology has made the first-ever association between the Xarelto treatment and eye bleeds.
Xarelto is a new blood thinner that is prescribed to treat and prevent blood clots for specific patients, as well as to prevent strokes in patients with a common heart rhythm abnormality known as atrial fibrillation. It is one of the first drugs in a new class of blood thinners designed to replace the long-used warfarin for atrial fibrillation, offering more convenience since patients taking Xarelto do not have to be monitored regularly as they do on warfarin.
Blood thinners can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding events, but adverse event reports indicate that there is a greater risk of gastrointestinal bleeds and brain hemorrhages with Xarelto. And unlike warfarin, for which there is an antidote available to reverse the bleeding effects of the drug, there is no reversal agent for Xarelto currently on the market.
Patients transitioning from warfarin to a newer anticoagulant are treated with both drugs as they wean off warfarin and build up Xarelto, but this, researchers say, can be dangerous.
Researchers rom the Retina Associates of Orange County in Laguna Hills, Calif., reviewed cases of eye bleeds in patients transitioning from warfarin to Xarelto and found that in all cases, the eye bleeds occurred shortly after treatment withXarelto was initiated. The cases were quickly resolved.
Researchers advised doctors to be aware of this new risk when transitioning patients from warfarin to Xarelto.

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New Xarelto Lawsuits Filed in 2015

Jul 10, 2015 | G&E Attorney Advertising

21 cases from 10 districts over the blood-thinning drug Xarelto were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (“MDL”) for pretrial proceedings before Judge Fallon in New Orleans. Meanwhile, more Xarelto lawsuits continue to mount, with 86 suits pending, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s January 15, 2015 monthlyreport. All contend that the anticoagulant manufactured and marketed to safely and effectively clot blood has failed to do so, causing uncontrolled, sometimes fatal, bleeding. Consolidating the initial 21 suits allows the court to more efficiently address the nearly identical claims that Xarelto’s manufacturers, Bayer Healthcare and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, did not properly communicate the risks associated with Xarelto, including the fact that there is no known bleeding antidote for the drug. As the bellwether trials near, more lawsuits are likely to join the 86 suits pending in the MDL.

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Xarelto Lawsuit Update: New Report Suggests Link Between Rivaroxaban and Vitreous Hemorrhaging

Jul 10, 2015 | Lowe, Eklund, Wakefield Blog

By Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA

One month has passed since Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA apprised readers of the dangers of Xarelto (Rivaroxaban), and in that brief period a new report has surfaced that could implicate the anti-coagulant in a host of new injury claims.
On June 25, 2015, JAMA Ophthalmology published a Brief Report titled, “Association of Rivaroxaban Anticoagulation and Spontaneous Vitreous Hemorrhage.” The report references the experiences of patients who were prescribed the anti-coagulant warfarin and were later transitioned to Xarelto. Following transition to the new prescription, multiple patients suffered vitreous hemorrhages, a type of inner eye bleeding that can cause blurred vision and even vision loss.
Given Xarelto’s dangerous and well-established link to uncontrollable bleeding in patients, instances of vitreous hemorrhage are in line with the risks and injuries at the center of ongoing Xarelto lawsuits. What is alarming about this report is that suggests that there may be an entire group of individuals suffering the harmful effects of the drug who are unaware of its causal relationship. Because many individuals who have received Xarelto are senior citizens, vision impairment issues may be attributed to aging or other conditions even though this harmful drug is to blame.
Xarelto Lawsuits are Underway
Xarelto is known to cause numerous side effects, including:
* Uncontrollable bleeding
* Gastrointestinal bleeding
* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Feeling weak
* Stroke, upon stopping medication
* Abnormal liver function
* Death
If you or a loved one were suffered any of these symptoms after taking Xarelto, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law firm of Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA now for a free consultation.

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Strokes, Blood Thinners, Bleeding Out: FDA Foolishness and a need for New Rules

Jul 10, 2015 | OpEdNews.com

By Douglas A. Wallace

In 1994 at the age of 65, this writer suffered a stroke of the cerebellum [the lower part of th brain] often referred to as the primitive brain. The stroke had been preceded by several months of random TIAs [Transit Ischemic Attacks]. The TIAs were an embarrassment when the wrong words were coming out of my mouth and if in a semi-public setting, a retreat to privacy was in order until the attack passed. It took several years to become fully aware of what the attacks were and the need to get past embarrassment and seek immediate medical assistance when they occurred.
Between the first TIA, which occurred in the fall of 1991, and the stroke that occurred on my 65th birthday in 1994, I probably had eight to ten TIAs.
After the stroke, I received aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Years later, in June 2000, I awoke to a full-blown heart attack. I had heard others describe the feeling as the weight of an elephant on your chest and now I could concur. That day a stent was placed in my heart and a month later I had open-heart surgery. A pace maker was implanted in December 2010 which left a blood clot in my left arm. That incident was my first introduction to a blood thinner, which was used to remove the clot. The thinner was warfarin or Coumadin [sometimes used as rat poison], which needed twice-weekly monitoring of keep blood levels. After six months, with no further evidence of a clot, I was taken off Coumadin.
About a year ago, July 2014, my cardiology team became concerned about my susceptibility to a stroke and urged me to start on a regular regimen of blood thinner for the remainder of my life.
Remembering the inconvenience of Coumadin monitoring, I was told there were then three blood thinners (Xarelto, Eliquis, and Pradaxa) that did not require monitoring. I opted for Pradaxa, which consisted of two capsules per day. But when it came time to get the next three months' supply via Costco, I learned the insurance co-pay on the formulary had tripled. An economic decision was made to change to Xarelto, which had a lower co-pay.
My partner and I usually watched the evening TV news as we ate and I recall commercials for two of the blood thinners--happy actors pretending to be the smartest persons alive as they hustled about supposedly beating the odds of a stroke while the voice of a commercial fast talker spewed out the positive and negative merits of the medication, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah! I never remembered hearing or noticing words like "fatal bleeding" in the jumble. After all, it is expected the FDA protocols are in place.
Since February or March 2015 I was happy as I thought myself safe from stroke. At age 86 that is a sure comfort! But things changed.
Just before noon on June 15, 2015, I felt numbness in my left hand that migrated to my left face--very possibly a stroke. Most everyone knows there is a 3-hour window to treat a stroke provided you get to a hospital. A call to a nurse's clinic urged that visit. It was not an ambulance necessity so a trip in the car was made to the closest of a network of hospitals and urgent-care facilities in Reno.
Upon arriving with the announcement of a possible stroke, the ER went into immediate active mode. Registering in could wait. All of the usual testing was done with strips attached to my chest along with a CAT scan. After an hour or so the ER doctor showed up, sat down in a chair and asked me why I came there. I said I thought I had symptoms of a stroke. "But you are on Xarelto. We can do nothing for you here!" Apparently a patient on blood thinners other than Coumadin needs to seek a facility especially set up to handle strokes.
I had been urged by at least five doctors and a nurse practitioner to get on a blood thinner because over the past 30 years I have had strong indications that a stroke was a real possibility. Now after almost a year on a blood thinner I had a stroke. No one had told me that a stroke while on a blood thinner could only be handled by a single facility!
Blood thinners are designed for a single purpose: to prevent blood clots in the brain and the rest of the body. While on blood thinners, however, the blood becomes so thin that it is unstoppable in serious situations; even tourniquets may be ineffective. In such cases, all effort to stop the blood flow fail, resulting in bleeding out and death.
That is why a major hospital facility is required for a stroke victim on blood thinner. They have complete facilities for blood transfusion that would be needed in the event of bleeding out.
The ER doctor I spoke with was explicitly against the use of any blood thinner except warfarin [Coumadin] for the simple reason that vitamin K is a natural antidote to warfarin--injected, vitamin K can thicken the blood very quickly. The other blood thinners have no such antidote.
I switched back to Coumadin, but this issue raises other questions.
Widespread television commercials project an over-happy clientele pushing the product without serious discussion of bleed out.
Why does the medical field fail to fully apprise its patients on the risk of bleed out while on blood thinners?
And why does the FDA not require that each pharmaceutical company that develops its brand of thinner also develop and produce an antidote to diminish the possibility of bleed-out?
Failing to do that tells me that the FDA has loosed a killing "medication" on the market for which it needs to have its butt kicked! Because I have only recently stumbled into this arena I feel it important enough to start a petition on Change.Org to put some pressure on the FDA to clean up this fraud of pharmaceutical companies that are pushing known hazards on America's ignorant but willing elderly and generating wealth from their victims.

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Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuits Heading to Trial

Jul 10, 2015 | The Legal Examiner

By Shezad Malik MD JD

Xarelto uncontrollable bleeding litigation is slowly moving ahead. Xarelto is one of the newer oral anticoagulant medications that has been approved by the FDA. The federal Xarelto personal injury and product liability claims are centralized before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Xarelto is one of the newer oral anticoagulant medications that has been approved by the FDA.
Bayer and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) as co-developers, are exposed to at least 552 bleeding cases in the federal multi-district litigation (MDL), according to a Docket Report issued by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, with thousands more on the way.
U.S. District Judge Fallon presiding over all federal Xarelto bleeding lawsuits has indicated a series of bellwether trials in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) may begin by August 2016.
Judge Fallon has indicated that a small group of “bellwether” cases will be selected for early trial dates. Accordingly, it has been proposed that fifty plaintiffs be selected for a “pool” of bellwether cases, which will go through case-specific discovery in preparation for a series of trials in 2016.
According to experts, the total tally may exceed several thousands before the litigation is settled. The plaintiffs blame the manufacturers for the severe, and often fatal bleeding injuries that were caused by Xarelto side effects.
Xarelto Lack of Adequate Warnings
Plaintiffs allege that the drug makers neglected to adequately warn about the risks associated with the new-generation anticoagulant and the lack of an effective antidote for Xarelto, in the event of uncontrollable bleeding.
Xarelto Uncontrollable Bleeding Risks
Xarelto (rivaroxoaban) is a new-generation anticoagulant approved by the FDA in 2011 as a replacement for Coumadin (warfarin). Coumadin, has been the “gold standard” medication for prevention of blood clots and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm abnormality for the past 60 years.
All blood thinners carry a risk of bleeding, BUT Xarelto has been linked to a severe injuries as more patients are transferred over to the new blood thinner.
Xarelto has been touted as a safer alternative to Coumadin, with the drug makers promoting that it is easier to use, since it does not require regular blood tests to measure its effectiveness.
According to several recent studies there are concerns about those claims, with researchers noting that Xarelto blood tests may help doctors identify patients at the greatest risk of bleeding. Additionally, plaintiffs blame the drug makers for withholding critical information about the lack of a Xarelto reversal agent, which doctors could use to stop uncontrollable hemorrhaging.
Coumadin’s blood thinning effects can be quickly reversed in an emergency, there is no similar antidote for Xarelto.
Xarelto is a $Billion Dollar Blockbuster Drug
According to court documents, Xarelto has raked in over $2 billion in sales nationwide with over one million prescriptions written by 2013, two years after the drug’s introduction into the market. Xarelto is a huge cash cow for the pharma division at J&J.
Xarelto, has grabbed a 32 percent market share in the highly competitive anticoagulant market, significantly ahead of Boehringer’s Pradaxa and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Eliquis, the other two new anticoagulants in the market. The Xarelto pony is way ahead in the three way pony race.
Company sales representatives continued to tout Xarelto as a convenient alternative to the established blood-thinner warfarin, but by the end of 2012, there had been 2,080 Xarelto-related injuries, including 151 deaths.
Xarelto Federal MDL Lawsuits
The MDL has an important role in streamlining the litigation process, as all plaintiffs and defendants are under one roof, coordinate discovery and the bellwether trials can be set to determine the strength of the claims.
As part of the coordinated pretrial proceedings, it is common in complex pharmaceutical and medical device mass tort litigation, that a small group of cases will be selected as “bellwether” cases.
These lawsuits will be prepared for early trial dates to help the parties determine how juries may respond to certain evidence and similar testimony that is likely to be repeated throughout the litigation.
Pradaxa, which is another new-generation anticoagulant introduced by Boehringer Ingelheim in October 2010, one year before Xarelto hit the market. More than 4,000 Pradaxa lawsuits were filed by users of that drug who suffered bleeding injuries. Boehringer Ingelheim ultimately agreed to pay $650 million in Pradaxa settlements, with an average of about $150,000 per claim.
Xarelto State Court Actions
There are several hundred more cases pending in various state courts nationwide, including about 170 pending in Pennsylvania state court, where a Xarelto mass tort was established in January.

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