Preview Newsletter

XARELTO Media Monitoring – Week of 10-29-15

Client Attorney Privileged/Attorney Work Product/At Request of Counsel

Plaintiff Attorney Press Releases

Dates Set For Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit Trials Alleging Blood Thinner Causes Uncontrolled Bleeding
Oct 24, 2015 | PR Leap
By Southern Med Law

The Xarelto bleeding lawsuit attorneys at Southern Med Law look forward to the start of bellwether trials involving Xarelto bleeding complaints. According to court records there will be four bellwether trials beginning on February 6, 2017. The subsequent trials will be convened starting on March 13, 2017, April 24, 2015, and May 30, 2015. Xarelto lawsuits allege uncontrolled bleeding, brain bleeds and other Xarelto complications, including internal bleeding episodes that resulted in hospitalization for transfusion or death. (In Re: Xarelto Products Liability Litigation, No. 2592)
Xarelto Lawsuit Filed By Widow Claims Drug Caused Husband’s Death
Oct 26, 2015 | Digital Journal
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit filed against pharmaceutical manufacturers of blood thinning drug Xarelto: Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson. In this suit, filed under case number 9:14CV80831, a widow alleges that use of the drug caused severe internal bleeding which resulted in the death of her husband.
Meldofsky Firm LLC Discusses the Allegations That Xarelto May Cause Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Oct 26, 2015 | Digital Journal
By Meldofsky Firm LLC

One of the latest lawsuits filed against the manufacturers and distributors of Xarelto was filed just lately in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a matter of fact, Pennsylvania is the very first to make allegations against the Drug that is absolutely ineffective and useless in preventing ischemic strokes and that the drug may actually be the one to cause it especially in patients who have been found out to have atrial fibrillation even in the prescribed once a day dosage.
Xarelto Lawsuit Updates
Oct 26, 2015 | CBS19-TV
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on information updates concerning the drug Xarelto and the lawsuits widely associated with the blood thinner. Xarelto, also known as rivaroxaban, was approved in 2011 when it came on to the market as a revolutionary blood thinner. It is manufactured and marketed throughout the United States by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of industry mogul Johnson & Johnson, and Bayer. The drug was incredibly popular after its initial release due to the fact that it did not require frequent evaluations and adjustments by a physician for those taking it, as older blood thinners had.
Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Families of Deceased Xarelto Victims Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Oct 26, 2015 | FOX Carolina
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on the rising number of wrongful death lawsuits filed in the Xarelto multidistrict litigation. There are currently more than 1,200 lawsuits filed in the Xarelto MDL and many of these lawsuits are wrongful death lawsuits alleging that Xarelto caused serious internal bleeding which lead to serious injuries and death of the patient.
Xarelto Lawsuit Alleges Texas Woman Required Life-Saving Treatment After Using Drug
Oct 27, 2015 | ABC4-TV
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit addition to the many filed against blood thinner Xarelto manufacturers, Bayer AG and Janssen (a division of Johnson & Johnson). This lawsuit, was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of New York by a woman from Texas who alleges that use of the blood thinner caused her serious health injuries.
Xarelto Lawsuit In Vermont Alleges Drug Caused Death Of Father
Oct 27, 2015 | Digital Journal
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit filed against blood thinning drug Xarelto and manufactuers Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson. The suit, filed in a Vermont federal court under case number 2:14-CV-00159-CR, was filed by a daughter who alleges that the drug caused her father’s death.
Xarelto Lawsuit Alleges Drug Causes Uncontrollable Bleeding
Oct 28, 2015 | WFMJ-TV
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports that as Xarelto lawsuits continue to appear across the United States, allegations stating that the drug causes uncontrollable bleeding are heard with increasing frequency. Xarelto is an anticoagulant which the effects of cannot be stopped as easily as those of traditional blood thinners, like warfarin.
Xarelto Lawsuit Bleeding Allegations Point To Internal Injuries
Oct 28, 2015 | Digital Journal
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on the most common personal injuries allegedly connected with use of blood thinning drug, Xarelto. Xarelto is considered to be a dangerous blood thinner because of its lack of antidote. It comes with two “black box” warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Black box warnings are the most strict warnings the FDA is able to provide before ordering a recall of the drug.
Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Lawsuits Make Common Allegations Against Xarelto Manufacturers
Oct 29, 2015 | Digital Journal
By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on the legal basis for the Xarelto lawsuits filed in the multidistrict litigation. These lawsuits were able to be consolidated into an MDL in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana because they all made similar allegations against the same defendants, the manufacturers of Xarelto, Bayer AG and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subdivision of Johnson&Johnson.

Plaintiff Attorney Blog Posts

Xarelto Lawsuits Mounting Over Uncontrollable Bleeding: Bayer Funds Study Concluding Drug is Safe
Oct 24, 2015 | Ring of Fire
By KJ McElrath

Rivaroxaban, better known as Xarelto®, has been associated with hundreds of adverse events involving fatal and near-fatal hemorrhaging since it received FDA approval in 2011. Within three years of its arrival on pharmacy shelves, the number of injuries due to Xarelto’s side effects has surpassed those caused by rival medication Pradaxa (dabigitran). So far, the number of Xarelto lawsuits has passed the 1,900 mark and is well on its way to 2,000. Despite powerful evidence that the product has caused serious injury and death, however, the manufacturers are citing a study to support claims that the medication is “safe.”
MDL Court Sets Dates for Xarelto Bellwether Trials
Oct 26, 2015 | The Legal Examiner
By Roopal Luhana

All federal Xarelto lawsuits, which were consolidated into the Eastern District of Louisiana in December 2014, involve patients who took the drugs and then suffered serious side effects. According to the latest case list from the court, there are now nearly 1,700 cases pending, with more expected to join the litigation in the coming months.
First Xarelto Stroke Lawsuit Filed as Total Case Number Grows
Oct 27, 2015 | Drug Watch
By Chris Elkins

Hundreds of people filed lawsuits against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson claiming their blood-thinning drug Xarelto (rivaroxaban) caused them to suffer negative side effects like uncontrollable bleeding.
Lawsuit: Drug Maker Failed To Disclose Xarelto Risks
Oct 27, 2015 | American Injury Attorney Group

Xarelto mass tort cases are expanding as victims of the blood thinner attempt to hold the drug makers accountable. The lawsuits are alleging the drug makers negligently failed to disclose the dangers associated with the drug, Xarelto lawyers note. If you or a loved one took Xarelto and suffered complications, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, and if you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Xarelto lawsuit attorney.
Number of Xarelto Lawsuits in MDL Approaches 1,700
Oct 27, 2015 | LawyersandSettlements.com
By Heidi Turner

The number of Xarelto lawsuits consolidated in a multidistrict litigation is approaching 1,700 as more patients file Xarelto side effects lawsuits alleging they suffered serious complications linked to their use of the drug. Among the serious side effects reportedly linked to the use of Xarelto, plaintiffs allege, is an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Lawsuit Alleges Xarelto Manufacturers Failed to Communicate Risks of Drug
Oct 28, 2015 | The Legal Herald
By Marc Goldich

A new Xarelto lawsuit filed alleges that the manufacturers of Xarelto failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the real dangers of the drug. BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on one of the more notable lawsuits filed in the Xarelto multidistrict litigation. The lawsuit originated in federal court for the Eastern District of New York and was filed by a woman in Texas. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers of Xarelto failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the dangers of Xarelto and that the manufacturers failed to perform sufficient safety testing on the blood thinner. The lawsuit finally alleges that these failures by Xarelto’s manufacturers led to the plaintiff’s serious injuries.
Lawsuit: Xarelto Caused Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Oct 28, 2015 | Top Class Actions
By Tamara Burns

In a Xarelto lawsuit, Janssen Pharmaceuticals was targeted for the blood thinner’s alleged side effects, causing an Ohio woman substantial personal injury as a result of gastrointestinal bleeding. Plaintiff Molly Ann H. and her husband Daniel H. brought forth the Xarelto bleeding lawsuit against the defendants earlier this month. Molly Ann was prescribed Xarelto in September 2013 to treat her atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia condition that increases the risk of stroke.
Xarelto – Blood Thinner Lawsuit
Oct 29, 2015 | Baron & Budd

A blood thinner such as Xarelto is not supposed to cause health problems – it is supposed to help prevent them. However, patients have reported serious complications with Xarelto, which has been linked to severe internal bleeding that has sometimes been fatal. The Xarelto attorneys with Baron & Budd may be able to help if you or a loved one has been harmed by this blood thinner medication.
Dangerous Side Effects Linked To 3 Johnson & Johnson Prescription Drugs
Oct 29, 2015 | RightingInjustice
By Jennifer Walker-Journey

Janssen Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1953 and purchased by Johnson & Johnson in 1961. The company is now part of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, which conducts research and development activities for treatments for a variety of conditions including mental illness, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, fungal infections, allergies and cancer. While its medications aim to improve health, some carry serious side effects.

Full Text of Articles Below

Client Attorney Privileged/Attorney Work Product/At Request of Counsel

Plaintiff Attorney Press Releases

Dates Set For Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit Trials Alleging Blood Thinner Causes Uncontrolled Bleeding

Oct 24, 2015 | PR Leap

By Southern Med Law

October 24, 2015 - The Xarelto bleeding lawsuit attorneys at Southern Med Law look forward to the start of bellwether trials involving Xarelto bleeding complaints. According to court records there will be four bellwether trials beginning on February 6, 2017. The subsequent trials will be convened starting on March 13, 2017, April 24, 2015, and May 30, 2015. Xarelto lawsuits allege uncontrolled bleeding, brain bleeds and other Xarelto complications, including internal bleeding episodes that resulted in hospitalization for transfusion or death. (In Re: Xarelto Products Liability Litigation, No. 2592)

"We are pleased that Xarelto bleeding lawsuits will begin going to trial in 2017," says François Blaudeau , the founder of Southern Med Law. "The results of these Xarelto trialscould provide information on how Xarelto lawsuits involving similar allegations and injuries could be decided."

Xarelto was launched on the U.S. market in 2011, and is now approved to reduce the risk of strokes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and blood clots in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. Its approved indications also include the prevention of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, as well as the treatment of DVT and PE.
[fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM280333.pdf, FDA, December 2014]

Well over 2,000 Xarelto lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana since the federal Xarelto litigation was established in December 2014. All of the cases were filed on behalf of individuals who allegedly suffer brain bleeds and other Xarelto complications, including internal bleeding episodes that resulted in hospitalization for transfusion or death. Plaintiffs accuse the drug's manufacturers of failing to provide doctors and patients with adequate warnings about these risks. They also charge that sales of the Xarelto were driven by misleading promises that the medication was superior to warfarin, a blood thinner that has been on the market for nearly 60 years. Among other things, the complaints note that there is no approved antidote to treat the internal bleeding that is sometimes associated with Xarelto. However, warfarin bleeding can be easily ended with the administration of vitamin K.

Federal Xarelto bleeding lawsuits were consolidated in the Eastern District of Louisiana in order to improve judicial efficiency and preserve the resources of the court, witnesses and parties. The multidistrict litigation process prevents duplicative discovery and inconsistent court rulings among a large number of cases sharing similar allegations of fact.

As both an attorney and practicing physician, Southern Med Law's Dr. François Blaudeau possesses a unique understanding of the medical and legal questions relating to Xarelto lawsuits. If you or a loved one experienced life-threatening internal bleeding or other complications allegedly associated with Xarelto, please contact the Firm as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights. You can arrange for a free, no obligation Xarelto lawsuit review by calling Southern Med Law today, at 205-547-5525.

Throughout his career, Dr. Blaudeau has worked hard to develop a strong reputation in healthcare litigation. His first-hand knowledge of medicine has made the Southern Med Law team an aggressive and effective advocate for those who were harmed due to negligent pharmaceutical companies. If you or a loved one where harmed by Xarelto, please contact Southern Med Law today to learn more about your legal rights. Call today for a free, no obligation Xarelto lawsuit review by filling out our online form, or by calling the office directly at 205-547-5525.
http://www.prleap.com/pr/240436/dates-set-for-xarelto-bleeding-lawsuit-trials

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Xarelto Lawsuit Filed By Widow Claims Drug Caused Husband’s Death

Oct 26, 2015 | Digital Journal

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit filed against pharmaceutical manufacturers of blood thinning drug Xarelto: Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson. In this suit, filed under case number 9:14CV80831, a widow alleges that use of the drug caused severe internal bleeding which resulted in the death of her husband.
The woman, a Florida resident, explained in court documents that her husband was prescribed Xarelto in January of 2010 by his primary care physician. His doctor did this to thin his blood after diagnosing him with atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition, that put him at additional risk for blood clots. After using the drug, her husband suffered from a subdural hemorrhage, also known as a subdural hematoma. This is a bleed located just outside of the brain. He was hospitalized for several days due to this issue, while doctors attempted to stop the bleeding.
The man died due to complications from this bleed on June 28th, 2012. The complaint alleges that his death occurred because Xarelto has no antidote. Those using the drug who experience bleeding have no way to reverse the effects of the drug and allow their blood to clot. Physicians generally have to resort to live-saving measures in these moments, including administering blood transfusions.
In older types of blood thinners, such as warfarin, physicians are able to counter the medication’s effects and get the blood to clot by using vitamin K treatments. In the case of internal bleeding, this can prove incredibly helpful, and even save lives.
The widow in this case claims that if she realized the dangers that were associated with Xarelto, she and her husband would have chosen a safer alternative. Like many other cases filed against the drug in both federal and state courts, her’s alleges that the manufacturers knew about the risks associated with their product, and had intentionally neglected to inform the public.
Her claim cites the following specific counts: failure to warn, negligence and negligent design, design defect, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, violation of consumer protection laws, and punitive damages.
Due to the dangerous nature of the drug, it is anticipated that lawsuits much like this one will continue to be filed. Attorney Marc Goldich is currently working to provide anyone who has suffered health problems or has lost a loved one after using Xarelto with complimentary consultations. He works to ensure that everyone involved has the opportunity to pursue legal action and potentially gain compensation.
For questions or additional information on this topic or the Xarelto lawsuits, please contact Marc Goldich, Esq. today at 866-425-8902.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2719926

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Meldofsky Firm LLC Discusses the Allegations That Xarelto May Cause Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Oct 26, 2015 | Digital Journal

By Meldofsky Firm LLC

Lake Forest, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/26/2015 -- There have been so many allegations that have been coming out that what Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Bayer Health Care claim to be the newest wonder anticoagulant drug; Xarelto is not at all effective so they say. In line with this, one of the latest lawsuits filed against the manufacturers and distributors of Xarelto was filed just lately in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a matter of fact, Pennsylvania is the very first to make allegations against the Drug that is absolutely ineffective and useless in preventing ischemic strokes and that the drug may actually be the one to cause it especially in patients who have been found out to have atrial fibrillation even in the prescribed once a day dosage.

Xarelto has been approved for distribution and consumption by the Food and Drugs Administration and has been prescribed by many professional health practitioners using the 2 types of preparations or strengths which are the 15 milligrams that can be used 2 times a day and the 20 milligrams used as a single daily dose. Some people have tolerated the 2 times a day frequency. However, since there have been complaints that led to lawsuits that Xarelto causes severe bleeding tendencies, the company marketing this anticoagulant has advised doctors and pharmacists to practice extreme caution when prescribing and dispensing the drug to its users.

All Xarelto lawsuits that have been filed nationwide in various federal courts shall be consolidated in the Eastern District of Louisiana before the respectable Judge Eldon E. Fallon based on the announcement of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Moreover, several thousands of Xarelto cases are projected to be transferred to the MDL.

All the complaints revolve around the issue that the manufacturers and distributors of Xarelto:

- Failed at warning the general public about the all the possible adverse effects and risks that Xarelto may cause profuse and uncontrolled internal hemorrhage.

- That Johnson and Johnson failed in the formulation of any approved antidote to counteract the effects of this anticoagulant in the event that adverse reactions start to appear in patients.

- That the makers of Xarelto have done false and deceptive claims that the drug is the superior form of anticoagulant and that it is the best alternative for Warfarin, which is then the best of its kind before the launch of Xarelto.

Advisories were released that only in the initial phase of the treatment, that Xarelto has to be taken twice a day by first-time users and the dosage must be strictly adjusted to be taken in a single dose per day to prevent adverse effects. It was just lately that the information was released by the experts behind the manufacturing and distribution of Xarelto; only after there have been massive complaints and cases filed by the Xarelto users and their families.

Bottomline is that Xarelto, being claimed to be the best anticoagulant drug in the market today is facing a substantial number of complaints that have legally been filed against the companies involved in its production and marketing. And up to the present, lawsuits are continuously increasing and is expected to increase further in the near future. Xarelto's effectiveness is also in question at this point because of the incidences that it may actually aggravate certain conditions that have lead to ischemic strokes, profuse bleedings and even death to some of its users.

About Meldofsky Firm LLC
The Meldofsky Firm LLC is a law firm located in Lake Forest, CA aims to help people who are in need for legal assistance. The law firm is manned by exceptional professional competent lawyers who provide their clients with legal representations even of clients residing outside California. The Meldofsky Law Firm provides legal assistance with claims and compensation in cases of medication-related court cases like the Xarelto Lawsuit.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2719751#ixzz3pyM3FNwM

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Xarelto Lawsuit Updates

Oct 26, 2015 | CBS19-TV

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on information updates concerning the drug Xarelto and the lawsuits widely associated with the blood thinner. Xarelto, also known as rivaroxaban, was approved in 2011 when it came on to the market as a revolutionary blood thinner. It is manufactured and marketed throughout the United States by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of industry mogul Johnson & Johnson, and Bayer. The drug was incredibly popular after its initial release due to the fact that it did not require frequent evaluations and adjustments by a physician for those taking it, as older blood thinners had.
As allegations began to crop up connecting the new anticoagulant to significant, unstoppable bleeding, consumers using the product quickly turned their focus to the fact that it had no known antidote. When individuals using older blood thinners were injured and experiencing bleeding, physicians were able to administer vitamin K to counteract the drug’s anti-clotting properties and allow the blood to clot. Xarelto, however, does not respond to vitamin K, and those taking it require life-saving measures like blood transfusions if they are experiencing unstoppable bleeding episodes.
Patients are commonly prescribed blood thinners after hip and knee surgeries, to prevent any dangerous clotting that could occur during the healing process. They are also often prescribed blood thinners to treat atrial fibrillation. Xarelto is a one-pill-fits-all drug, so all patients, despite their weight, size, or reason for using the medication, take one pill daily.
Over the years, following Xarelto’s Food and Drug Administration approval, patients taking it have experienced injuries which have led them to file lawsuits against the blood thinner’s manufacturers. Allegations contained in the lawsuits claim that Xarelto has caused: death by uncontrollable bleeding, internal and intestinal bleeding, brain hemorrhages, and rectal bleeding, among other serious issues. Some also claim that Xarelto caused complications that ultimately caused patient’s blood clots, embolism, and other internal bleeding issues.
As these patients came forward with these allegations, Xarelto quickly went from being considered an exciting, revolutionary blood thinner, to the most dangerous blood thinner on the market. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) placed Xarelto at the top of their list of most dangerous blood thinners. Additionally, Xarelto is named as a high-alert medication, which generally indicates that it has been associated with a heightened risk of causing significant harm to the patients who use it, when used in error.
If you have been a victim of health complications after using Xarelto, know that health issues that arise after using bad drugs can be incredibly financially and emotionally draining. Filing a lawsuit can often help pay the medical bills and aid individuals in getting help for the pain and suffering they have experienced.
Xarelto attorney Marc Goldich expects to see cases continued to be filed for quite some time. He is currently working to help anyone who wishes to look into their rights concerning the litigation, and offers confidential and completely free consultations. If you would like to explore your rights and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve, contact Marc Goldich, Esq. at (866) 425-8902 anytime.
http://www.cbs19.tv/story/30353136/xarelto-lawsuit-updates

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Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Families of Deceased Xarelto Victims Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Oct 26, 2015 | FOX Carolina

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on the rising number of wrongful death lawsuits filed in the Xarelto multidistrict litigation. There are currently more than 1,200 lawsuits filed in the Xarelto MDL and many of these lawsuits are wrongful death lawsuits alleging that Xarelto caused serious internal bleeding which lead to serious injuries and death of the patient.
The Xarelto MDL:
The Xarelto MDL was established in December 2014 after a motion was made to consolidate the growing number of lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation. These lawsuits were able to be consolidated because they all made similar allegations against the same defendants, the manufacturers of Xarelto, Bayer AG and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subdivision of Johnson&Johnson. These lawsuits all commonly allege that Xarelto caused serious internal bleeding which leads to injuries and death in patients taking the drug and that the manufacturers of Xarelto were negligent in releasing Xarelto without a corresponding antidote and without properly warning doctors and patients about the true dangers of the drug.
Xarelto was released onto the United States market in 2011 after receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, to treat blood clots, atrial fibrillation, and to be used in patients who have recently undergone hip and knee replacement surgery. Since its release, several studies have been released that link Xarelto to dangerous side effects such as excessive blood clots and uncontrollable internal bleeding events. Since then, the FDA has attached two black box warnings to the drug. The black box warning is the strictest warning the FDA can attach to a drug short of recalling it.
Xarelto Wrongful Death Lawsuits:
Unfortunately many patients who took Xarelto and suffered an uncontrollable internal bleeding incident died as a result of the serious injuries and complications. Following their untimely death, the estate and family of the deceased may have a right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturers of Xarelto, as many have done so already. A wrongful death lawsuit is brought by the spouse or immediately family of the deceased and often seeks compensation for things such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of earnings and financial support while the deceased was being treated, and expenses related to the deceased’s estate.
For any questions regarding this press release or the pending Xarelto litigation, please contact Marc Goldich at (866) 425-8902.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/30365543/xarelto-lawsuit-update-families-of-deceased-xarelto-victims-filing-wrongful-death-lawsuits#ixzz3pyG9drFK

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Xarelto Lawsuit Alleges Texas Woman Required Life-Saving Treatment After Using Drug

Oct 27, 2015 | ABC4-TV

By Marc Goldich

October 27, 2015 – /PressAdvantage/ – BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit addition to the many filed against blood thinner Xarelto manufacturers, Bayer AG and Janssen (a division of Johnson & Johnson). This lawsuit, was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of New York by a woman from Texas who alleges that use of the blood thinner caused her serious health injuries.
Xarelto entered the market as a revolutionary new type of blood thinner, first given approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011. The blood thinner offered new, convenient options. It did not require the frequent monitoring, testing, and dosage adjustments as old blood thinners did. Instead, this medication was a one-size-fits-all drug. Unfortunately, the new drug had some drawbacks as well, many of which have become the subject of a myriad of lawsuits that have cropped up across the nation.
The danger of this new type of blood thinner is that Xarelto offers no antidote. This means that if those using the drug sustain injuries and develop uncontrollable bleeding, physicians only have the choice of resorting to life-saving measures, such as blood transfusions, to try to stop the bleed and save the patient’s life. With older blood thinners, doctors had the option of administering a vitamin K treatment, which would reverse the effects of the drug and cause the patient’s blood to clot.
In this lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that manufacturers failed to warn consumers of the alleged risks associated with their drug. Her complaint, filed under federal court docket number 1:14-CV-04524, indicates that she was prescribed Xarelto to help prevent blood clots due to her atrial fibrillation condition. She used the drug for 5 months, but then suffered a life-threatening internal bleed, causing her to be left with permanent injuries which require future care.
Internal bleeds have been known to cause several injuries, disabilities, and even death. Although the plaintiff has not directly described the injury she has suffered, she does indicate that it is both serious and permanent. Some injuries that have been linked to Xarelto use in other lawsuit allegations include: gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, brain hemorrhages or subdural hematoma, pulmonary embolism, liver dysfunction, blood clots, heart attacks, and spinal bleeds.
Attorney Marc Goldich is currently working to ensure that anyone who has experienced serious health problems after using Xarelto is able to look into their legal rights. He offers free consultations for anyone exploring the idea of seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, or other costs.
For more information on Xarelto and the surrounding lawsuits, or to ask questions, contact Marc Goldich by calling 866-425-8902.
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/30363835/xarelto-lawsuit-alleges-texas-woman-required-life-saving-treatment-after-using-drug

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Xarelto Lawsuit In Vermont Alleges Drug Caused Death Of Father

Oct 27, 2015 | Digital Journal

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on another lawsuit filed against blood thinning drug Xarelto and manufactuers Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson. The suit, filed in a Vermont federal court under case number 2:14-CV-00159-CR, was filed by a daughter who alleges that the drug caused her father’s death.
According to documents detailing the complaint, the plaintiff’s father was prescribed Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to thin his blood due to his atrial fibrillation. He began using the prescription on July 17th of 2012, and continued to use the drug until he passed away from an uncontrollable bleeding event the following month. Hospital staff, as allegations state, tried to save the man for 6 days before he ultimately died. He was diagnosed with a parenchymal hemorrhage.
A parenchymal hemorrhage is one of the most severe brain bleeds possible, causing dysfunction within the brain. Often, when someone experiences this type of brain bleed, the result is fatal. Many times, the bleed is not noticed until it is too late to take effective life saving measures, such as a craniotomy, which removes blood from the brain.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for her pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses and attorney fees. Because she now serves as the administrator of his estate, she also seeks compensation for expenses related to the probate of his estate. As many of the complaints filed do, her complaint indicates that had she and her father been aware of the risks associated with Xarelto, they would have chosen an alternative blood thinner.
Xarelto is a new, once thought of as revolutionary, type of blood thinner, that is also widely considered to be the most dangerous. There is one main reason why it is regarded in this light: Xarelto has no antidote. Other, older blood thinners, such as warfarin, enable physicians to reverse the drug's effects if a patient has injured themselves and is having unstoppable bleeding. In these cases, doctors are able to administer vitamin K treatments which force the blood to clot and, many times, save the lives of the injured clients. Xarelto, however, does not respond to vitamin K treatments, and requires physicians to resort to life-saving treatments on patients, such as blood transfusions.
For these reasons, the daughter’s complaints allege that the manufacturers of Xarelto were reckless to release such a drug on the market.
Xarelto attorney Marc Goldich is currently working to assist individuals who have suffered health complications or lost loved ones after using Xarelto. He offers free consultations to anyone involved who wishes to look into their legal rights and potentially seek compensation.
For additional information concerning Xarelto and the lawsuits associated with the product, or to ask questions, contact Marc Goldich, Esq. at 866-425-8902.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2719949#ixzz3pyLXpkIK

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Xarelto Lawsuit Alleges Drug Causes Uncontrollable Bleeding

Oct 28, 2015 | WFMJ-TV

By Marc Goldich

October 28, 2015 – /PressAdvantage/ – BloodThinnerHelp.com reports that as Xarelto lawsuits continue to appear across the United States, allegations stating that the drug causes uncontrollable bleeding are heard with increasing frequency. Xarelto is an anticoagulant which the effects of cannot be stopped as easily as those of traditional blood thinners, like warfarin.
Many consumers who require blood thinning drugs have converted to Xarelto, as its one-size-fits-all nature provides convenience. Unlike warfarin, Xarelto does not require regular monitoring, dosage adjustments, or specific dietary restrictions. However, it also does not have an antidote.
When individuals using warfarin are injured and experience bleeding episodes, physicians are able to administer vitamin K, which reverses the effects of the drug and causes the blood to clot, keeping the patient safe. Those taking Xarelto, however, will not respond to vitamin K if bleeding, and are therefore in greater danger of a bleedout. In these instances, doctors are required to resort to life-saving measures, such as blood transfusions, to keep the patient alive.
Many plaintiffs now filing lawsuits allege that they were not aware of the fact that Xarelto offered no antidote. They similarly state that had they been made aware of this information, they would have avoided Xarelto despite its conveniences, in order to avoid what could be a catastrophic event. They additionally claim that manufacturers were negligent by promoting the drug as a safe and effective Coumadin alternative. Many in the medical field are now indicating that the drug should in fact be monitored.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also placed two “black box” warnings on the product. These are the most strict warnings possible to be connected with a product before ordering a complete recall. The drug is connected to over 1,000 lawsuits concerning uncontrollable bleeding and the serious side effects it presents. Many lawsuits continue to be filed, and these numbers are expected to greatly increase.
Xarelto lawsuits have been consolidated to form Multidistrict litigation in hopes of speeding up the litigation process for all involved, and avoiding duplicate discovery.
Xarelto attorney Marc Goldich is currently working to ensure that anyone who has suffered from serious health problems while using Xarelto is able to explore their legal rights. He offers free consultations for individuals involved.
For additional information on Xarelto Lawsuits or to ask questions, contact Marc Goldich, Esq. at866-425-8902.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/30375856/xarelto-lawsuit-alleges-drug-causes-uncontrollable-bleeding

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Xarelto Lawsuit Bleeding Allegations Point To Internal Injuries

Oct 28, 2015 | Digital Journal

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports on the most common personal injuries allegedly connected with use of blood thinning drug, Xarelto. Xarelto is considered to be a dangerous blood thinner because of its lack of antidote. It comes with two “black box” warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Black box warnings are the most strict warnings the FDA is able to provide before ordering a recall of the drug.
According to information from multiple lawsuits, individuals allege that Xarelto use has caused them unmanageable internal bleeding from injuries. The most common injuries allegedly connected to Xarelto are: abdominal bleeds, brain bleeds, pulmonary embolism (where blood flow to the lungs is blocked by a blood clot), and liver dysfunction. Lawsuit complaints note that although Xarelto is an anti-clotting drug, if use of it is abruptly discontinued, or if a patient using it decides to switch to another blood thinner, the patient is at significant risk for blood clots.
According to the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal, Xarelto can lead to liver dysfunction or hepatitis. The FDA has additionally supported this connection by warning about this specific Xarelto danger.
Additionally, it has been warned that Xarelto poses serious risks when combined with certain other drugs. The FDA has noted that individuals using certain drugs are not to combine them with Xarelto, because of significant health risks.
With well over 11 million prescriptions written for Xarelto across the United States, it is one of the leading anticoagulant drugs currently on the market. Those who have suffered health issues after using the drug allege that it has been marketed with negligence. They complain that the manufacturers did not properly warn consumers about the dangers allegedly associated with the drug.
Marc Goldich, Esq. is a dedicated attorney currently working to help everyone understand the risks that have been connected with Xarelto use. He offers free consultations for anyone who has used the product and suffered significant health issues in the aftermath. Individuals who have experienced these adverse effects potentially connected to the drug may be entitled to compensation.
For additional information on this topic or to ask questions, contact Attorney Marc Goldich by calling 866-425-8902 today.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2723436#ixzz3pyEknLWV

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Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Lawsuits Make Common Allegations Against Xarelto Manufacturers

Oct 29, 2015 | Digital Journal

By Marc Goldich

BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on the legal basis for the Xarelto lawsuits filed in the multidistrict litigation. These lawsuits were able to be consolidated into an MDL in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana because they all made similar allegations against the same defendants, the manufacturers of Xarelto, Bayer AG and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subdivision of Johnson&Johnson. The specific allegations that all of these lawsuits make are listed below:
-Xarelto manufacturers failed to warn about the risks of Xarelto, specifically the irreversible uncontrollable bleeding that may occur in some patients
-Xarelto contained a design defect in that it did not safely provide an anti coagulation solution, but instead posed greater risks to patients of internal bleeding due to no reversal agent
-Xarelto fraudulently concealed knowledge of irreversible life threatening events and how doctors should intervene and stabilize patients
-Xarelto manufacturers were negligent in placing the drug into the marketing knowing there was no antidote
-Xarelto manufacturers made a negligent misrepresentation in marketing Xarelto as a safe blood thinner
-Xarelto did not provide benefits greater than products that already existed in the marketplace in a safer manner such as Warfarin
For more detailed information and updates on the Xarelto litigation, click here.
The Xarelto MDL:
Consolidating these lawsuits into an MDL is generally a good move for all parties involved. An MDL is very different from a class action lawsuit even though these terms get confused quite often. In an MDL, each case is still tried as an individual case. This is very appropriate for the Xarelto trials because the injuries and damages vary dramatically from plaintiff to plaintiff. Consolidating cases into an MDL also saves on judicial resources and expedites the entire judicial process for both parties. The pre-trial and discovery stages are streamlined and the MDL allows resources and paperwork to move much more quickly through the judicial system.
The Xarelto MDL is consolidated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and is presided over by United States District Judge Eldon Fallon. The MDL is still in the pretrial stages and we are quite a while away from any resolution, but recently an important step forward was taken. The dates for the first trials of the MDL were set. These trials are called the bellwether trials and there are currently four of them scheduled throughout early to mid-2017.
For any questions regarding this press release or the pending Xarelto litigation, please contact Marc Goldich at (866) 425-8902.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2724269#ixzz3pyFeyobv

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Plaintiff Attorney Blog Posts

Xarelto Lawsuits Mounting Over Uncontrollable Bleeding: Bayer Funds Study Concluding Drug is Safe

Oct 24, 2015 | Ring of Fire

By KJ McElrath

Rivaroxaban, better known as Xarelto®, has been associated with hundreds of adverse events involving fatal and near-fatal hemorrhaging since it received FDA approval in 2011. Within three years of its arrival on pharmacy shelves, the number of injuries due to Xarelto’s side effects has surpassed those caused by rival medication Pradaxa (dabigitran). So far, the number of Xarelto lawsuits has passed the 1,900 mark and is well on its way to 2,000. Despite powerful evidence that the product has caused serious injury and death, however, the manufacturers are citing a study to support claims that the medication is “safe.”
According to a recent press release from Johnson & Johnson, parent company of Xarelto manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceutica, results from two “landmark real-world studies” demonstrate that “the use of rivaroxaban in day-to-day care is consistent with the safety profile observed in ROCKET AF, the landmark Phase 3 study used by regulatory authorities worldwide to approve the medicine for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.”
It bears mentioning at this point that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially expressed serious concerns about the ROCKET-AF study when the medication was first under consideration in 2011. At the time, the FDA recommended that Xarelto not be approved because of “a lack of substantial evidence that rivaroxaban will have its desired effect when used as recommended in labeling.” That recommendation resulted from questions regarding whether rivaroxaban was as effective as warfarin (Coumadin) in preventing stroke and embolism.
The problem, according to the FDA, was that test subjects spent less than 60% of the time at the optimal international normalized ratio (a measure of how long it takes to form a blood clot, used to determine the effectiveness of oral anticoagulant medications). That time was shorter than it had been in other studies comparing new-generation anticoagulants to warfarin, and thus did not adequately demonstrate Xarelto to be as effective as the older drug.
Despite this, FDA approval was granted on July 1, 2011 for patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. Over the next two years, the FDA approved Xarelto for additional purposes, including the prevention of stroke in patients with irregular heartbeat, and to reduce risk of strokes in those suffering from acute coronary syndrome (a condition that may suddenly block the flow of blood to the heart).
Johnson & Johnson’s most recent claims are based on a Post-Market Safety Surveillance (PMSS) study called “XARELTO® for Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation” (XANTUS). According to the PMSS, “Fatal bleeds were uncommon, with an incidence of 0.1 per 100 person-years.” The press release acknowledges that it was a “retrospective study,” and there was nothing with which to compare it. The XANTUS study produced similar results – and like the PMSS, there was no “comparator arm” for the study. Furthermore, the XANTUS study was designed and funded by Bayer, Janssen Pharmaceutica’s partner in the marketing and sale of Xarelto.
Meanwhile, other studies have come to different conclusions. Earlier this year, a study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that a “twofold higher risk of bleeding with rivaroxaban [Xarelto] compared with warfarin” could not be ruled out. This is consistent with a 2013 study demonstrating that patients treated with Xarelto and similar “new-generation” anticoagulants ran a significantly increased risk of fatal gastrointestinal bleeding compared to those treated with warfarin. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year found that “treatment with rivaroxaban can be associated with severe, symptomatic liver injury” – something that Janssen and Bayer fail to mention.
There is plenty of incentive for Janssen and Bayer to present their product in the best possible light, despite the demonstrated dangers to patients. Worldwide, the number of elderly patients is increasing due to greater longevity. According to FiercePharma, the market for anticoagulants such as Xarelto is expected to grow faster than those of other medications over the next three years. Another report indicates that sales for anticoagulants could reach over $15 billion by 2018. By that time, Xarelto is expected to capture over 20% of that lucrative market.
Current litigation and publicity over Xarelto’s dangers is threatening that market share. Another threat to Xarelto’s profit margin comes as the result of recent FDA approval of a reversal agent for rival medication Pradaxa. Although a similar antidote for the effects of Xarelto is in clinical development, and results have been promising, there presently is no indication of when it will be available.
The fact remains that Bayer and Janssen allegedly knew about the potential dangers of Xarelto, and failed to provide adequate warnings to physicians and patients. Currently, 1600 federal Xarelto lawsuits have been consolidated in Louisiana, with another 300 moving forward in a mass tort action before a Pennsylvania court.
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/10/24/xarelto-lawsuits-mounting-over-uncontrollable-bleeding-bayer-funds-study-concluding-drug-is-safe/

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MDL Court Sets Dates for Xarelto Bellwether Trials

Oct 26, 2015 | The Legal Examiner

By Roopal Luhana

All federal Xarelto lawsuits, which were consolidated into the Eastern District of Louisiana in December 2014, involve patients who took the drugs and then suffered serious side effects. According to the latest case list from the court, there are now nearly 1,700 cases pending, with more expected to join the litigation in the coming months.
On September 18, 2015, U.S. District Court Judge Eldon Fallon issued a case management order. In it, he set the dates for future bellwether trials, and outlined the processes for discovery.
Court Sets Dates for Xarelto Bellwether Trials
According to the Judge’s order, the initial bellwether trials will take place on the following dates:
• February 6, 2017 (Eastern District of Louisiana)
• March 13, 2017 (Eastern District of Louisiana)
• April 24, 2017 (Mississippi, District to be determined)
• May 30, 2017 (Texas, District to be determined)
The order adds that the court believes the early bellwether trials will “further the efficient progress of this litigation.” Typically, bellwether trials help gauge how the juries will respond to the evidence. They can also help pave the way toward future settlement negotiations between the parties.
Though the court set the first bellwether trial to begin on February 6, 2017, the order does state that the parties can request that the trial be moved by a month and this issue is to be addressed at the November 2016 status conference.
The court also stated that the locations for the third and fourth bellwether trials are subject to change.
Court Outlines Schedule for Discovery
In addition to setting dates for the bellwether trials, the court also outlined the continuing processes for discovery:
• Defendants are to continue to produce documents through July 29, 2016.
• Plaintiffs are allowed 50 depositions of Defendants, including current and former employees of Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the Xarelto manufacturers. Discovery of Defendants is scheduled to end by September 23, 2016. There are no limitations on third-party depositions.
• Unless the parties agree to an exception, there will be no discovery beyond the bellwether discovery pool unless further ordered by the Court.
• The initial discovery pool consists of 40 Plaintiffs. The parties are to meet to discuss how they will choose those Plaintiffs, and are to report on that no later than December 18, 2015. All cases are to be selected by January 11, 2016.
• All depositions for the bellwether discovery pool are to be completed by July 15, 2016.
The case management order also outlined the schedule for expert witness discovery once the bellwether cases are chosen.
Xarelto Bleeding Risks
The FDA approved Xarelto for reducing the risk of blood clots in patients going through knee and hip replacement surgery in 2011, and later that year for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Within just a year of being on the market, the drug was linked with 356 adverse events, according to the Institute of Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP) QuarterWatchreport. By the first quarter of 2013, that number had risen to 680.
Types of injuries that may result from taking Xarelto include gastrointestinal bleeding, internal bleeding at other areas, brain hemorrhaging, and pulmonary embolism.
http://newyork.legalexaminer.com/fda-prescription-drugs/mdl-court-sets-dates-for-xarelto-bellwether-trials/

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First Xarelto Stroke Lawsuit Filed as Total Case Number Grows

Oct 27, 2015 | Drug Watch

By Chris Elkins

Hundreds of people filed lawsuits against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson claiming their blood-thinning drug Xarelto (rivaroxaban) caused them to suffer negative side effects like uncontrollable bleeding.
Now, the daughter of a Florida man who died from a stroke four days after he began taking Xarelto filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia claiming the drug did not work as advertised. It’s the first lawsuit claiming Xarelto failed to prevent a stroke in a patient with atrial fibrillation (abnormal heartbeat).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xarelto to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation in 2011, but one FDA reviewer recommended against the drug’s approval.
“The data do not convincingly demonstrate that rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is as effective in preventing strokes and systemic emboli (blood clots) as warfarin when warfarin is used skillfully,” the reviewer wrote to the advisory committee in 2011. “If rivaroxaban is approved, patients taking it might be at greater risk of harm from stroke and/or bleeding.”
The lawsuit alleges Xarelto’s once-a-day dosing leaves patients vulnerable to blood clots and strokes for a portion of the day. Other anticoagulants are taken twice a day to improve the balance of the amount of the drug in the body throughout the day.
A 2014 study found the amount of Xarelto in a patient’s body fluctuated more than three times as much as a comparable anticoagulant, Eliquis (apixaban), taken twice daily.
Meanwhile, the number of lawsuits claiming Xarelto caused irreversible bleeding side effects continues to grow.Total Xarelto Lawsuit Number Continues to Grow
Lawsuits against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson are consolidated in two courts, a multidistrict litigation court in the Eastern District of Louisiana and a mass tort litigation court in Philadelphia.
The MDL in Louisiana contains 1,698 federal lawsuits, and the mass tort in Philadelphia contains more than 400 state lawsuits.
The first bellwether trial date is set for Feb. 6, 2017. Three additional trials are scheduled for the following March, April and May. Bellwether trials are the first cases to go before a jury. They often include cases that are representative of the claims made by other cases, so plaintiffs and defendants can determine how future trials will play out.
If defendants lose multiple bellwether trials, they usually look to settle large numbers of cases to avoid additional negative jury verdicts. If defendants know they have a weak case, they may settle bellwether cases before trials begin.
There are reports of more potential cases claiming Xarelto failed to prevent a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, but it’s too soon to know if the claims will be as widespread as the irreversible bleeding claims.
http://www.drugwatch.com/2015/10/27/first-xarelto-stroke-lawsuit/

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Lawsuit: Drug Maker Failed To Disclose Xarelto Risks

Oct 27, 2015 | American Injury Attorney Group

Xarelto mass tort cases are expanding as victims of the blood thinner attempt to hold the drug makers accountable. The lawsuits are alleging the drug makers negligently failed to disclose the dangers associated with the drug, Xarelto lawyers note.
If you or a loved one took Xarelto and suffered complications, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, and if you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Xarelto lawsuit attorney.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
FDA: 151 Fatalities Linked To Xarelto In 2012
Recent lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson, its subsidiary Janssen Research & Development, and Bayer AG, allege that the drug makers used incomplete or misleading information to market the drug. According to one court filing, the lawsuit alleges the drug makers failed to disclose known risks associated with taking Xarelto. Additionally, plaintiffs claim that the the drug makers used poorly designed studies and questionable results to make Xarelto appear more effective than other blood thinning agents.
Xarelto can cause severe internal bleeding, and the lawsuit alleges that the drug makers became aware of these issues after conducting its own internal studies, but they failed to report their findings. The same studies indicated that patients who took Xarelto once per day without blood monitoring were more likely to experience dangerous internal bleeding events. Yet, the drug makers marketed Xarelto as an effective alternative to traditional blood thinners that could be taken once daily without any monitoring.
According to Xarelto mass tort filings, by the end of fiscal year 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), had received reports of 2,081 ‘Serious Adverse Events’ involving Xarelto. In 151 of these cases, the victims suffered fatal complications. However, despite these reports, the drug makers continued to withhold information about the risks of Xarelto from physicians and patients, according to the lawsuit.
Injured Patients May Be Entitled to Compensation
If a drug maker fails to fulfill its duty to provide safe drugs and to warn of potentially harmful side effects that may be associated with its medication, it could be held liable for any injuries that may result.
Patients who have been injured by Xarelto may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
Medical expenses
Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Xarelto, his or her family members may be able to pursue claims for their loved one’s wrongful death. Compensation may include:
Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
Loss of financial support of a loved one
Funeral expenses
Affected patients are encouraged to speak with a Xarelto lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
If you or a loved one took Xarelto and suffered complications, including internal bleeding, contact the American Injury Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact the American Injury Attorney Group today.
https://attorneygroup.com/blog/xarelto-mass-tort/

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Number of Xarelto Lawsuits in MDL Approaches 1,700

Oct 27, 2015 | LawyersandSettlements.com

By Heidi Turner

The number of Xarelto lawsuits consolidated in a multidistrict litigation is approaching 1,700 as more patients file Xarelto side effects lawsuits alleging they suffered serious complications linked to their use of the drug. Among the serious side effects reportedly linked to the use of Xarelto, plaintiffs allege, is an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

On its own, Xarelto (known generically as rivaroxaban) might still seem like a wonder drug. After all, it is used to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes, which can be fatal. The problem, however, is that it is a newer-generation anticoagulant, and used to replace warfarin (sold under the brand name Coumadin). Warfarin also had an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding, but unlike the newer-generation anticoagulants, it has an antidote: vitamin K.

Newer-generation anticoagulants did not come with an antidote for bleeding events, so relatively minor injuries could become serious complications for some patients.

Xarelto and other newer-generation anticoagulants were also marketed as being easier to use than warfarin, and not requiring regular blood monitoring to ensure blood levels stay within therapeutic ranges. But critics say because there is still a risk of uncontrolled bleeding, patients should still undergo blood monitoring.

Add to that Xarelto’s expense and an argument that Xarelto is no more effective than warfarin, and suddenly Xarelto might not seem like such a wonder drug.

That’s why some patients have filed lawsuits alleging they were harmed by the use of Xarelto and not adequately warned about the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. They say if they had known about the risk of uncontrolled bleeding, they would never have taken the medication. According to records from the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation, as of October 15, 2015, there were 1,698 lawsuits consolidated in MDL-2592 before Judge Eldon E. Fallon. That’s a huge jump from the 805 lawsuits that were consolidated as of July 15, 2015.

As the number of patients prescribed Xarelto increases, so does the number of adverse events linked to the medication. According to the Institute for Safe Medicine Practices (5/7/14), information from the first quarter of 2013 showed that the number of serious adverse events linked to Xarelto outnumbered those linked to Pradaxa.

According to reports, the first bellwether trials in Xarelto litigation are expected to be heard in court in early 2017, leaving time for patients or their loved ones to file their own lawsuits. Lawsuits have also been filed against the maker of Pradaxa, another newer-generation anticoagulant medication.

http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/xarelto/xarelto-lawsuit-death-bleeding-issue-28-21006.html#.VjIvwLerRD8

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Xarelto Lawsuit Update: Lawsuit Alleges Xarelto Manufacturers Failed to Communicate Risks of Drug

Oct 28, 2015 | The Legal Herald

By Marc Goldich

Lawsuit Alleges Xarelto Manufacturers Failed to Communicate Risks of Drug
A new Xarelto lawsuit filed alleges that the manufacturers of Xarelto failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the real dangers of the drug. BloodThinnerHelp.com reports today on one of the more notable lawsuits filed in the Xarelto multidistrict litigation. The lawsuit originated in federal court for the Eastern District of New York and was filed by a woman in Texas. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers of Xarelto failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the dangers of Xarelto and that the manufacturers failed to perform sufficient safety testing on the blood thinner. The lawsuit finally alleges that these failures by Xarelto’s manufacturers led to the plaintiff’s serious injuries.
This lawsuit has since been consolidated into the federal multidistrict litigation against the manufacturers of Xarelto headquartered out of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case is filed under federal court docket number 1:14-CV-04524. The full complaint can be downloaded and read here.
The plaintiff in this particular lawsuit was initially prescribed Xarelto by her primary care doctor to prevent blood clots that developed as a result of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition she suffered from. The plaintiff was taking the blood thinner as directed for five months when she suffered from a life threatening internal bleeding event that left her with serious injuries. The complaint does not specify the exact nature of the plaintiff’s injuries in this case but it does detail that the injuries she suffered from are permanent and will require future long term care as a direct result of the uncontrollable internal bleeding.
Lawsuits Allege Xarelto Has Dangerous Defect
Xarelto was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, in 2011 to treat atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and to be used in patients who have recently undergone a hip or knee replacement surgery. Xarelto was marketed as a more convenient alternative to the traditional blood thinner Warfarin because Xarelto does not require the restrictive diet and constant blood monitoring that Warfarin does. Since then, the FDA has released several warnings about the dangers of Xarelto and even attached two black box warnings to the drug. The black box warning is the most strict warning the FDA can attach to a drug short of recalling it. The complete list of FDA warnings regarding Xarelto can be found here.
Xarelto works differently than other blood thinners because it is part of a new class of blood thinners called Xa inhibitors. Xa inhibitors prevent blood clots by blocking the agent in the blood that is responsible for making the blood clot, thrombin. By blocking thrombin, Xarelto completely takes away the blood’s ability to clot. This is dangerous because Xarelto does not come with a corresponding antidote to reverse its anticoagulant effects, meaning that if a patient suffers from an internal bleeding injury while taking Xarelto, there is no way to stop their bleeding and the situation can turn into a dangerous uncontrollable bleeding event very quickly.
For any questions regarding this press release or the pending Xarelto litigation, please contact Marc Goldich at (866) 425-8902.
http://legalherald.com/xarelto-lawsuit-update-lawsuit-alleges-xarelto-manufacturers-failed-to-communicate-risks-of-drug/

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Lawsuit: Xarelto Caused Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Oct 28, 2015 | Top Class Actions

By Tamara Burns

In a Xarelto lawsuit, Janssen Pharmaceuticals was targeted for the blood thinner’s alleged side effects, causing an Ohio woman substantial personal injury as a result of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Plaintiff Molly Ann H. and her husband Daniel H. brought forth the Xarelto bleeding lawsuitagainst the defendants earlier this month. Molly Ann was prescribed Xarelto in September 2013 to treat her atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia condition that increases the risk of stroke.
After taking Xarelto for two months, Molly Ann experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding allegedly as a side effect from the drug. The severe bleeding also led her to develop anemia, which caused her to have other ongoing health issues.
Other plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Xarelto allege that the manufacturers have not adequately warned consumers about the risks associated with the drug, and that lack of an effective reversal agent for Xarelto presents a grave safety concern.
The Xarelto lawsuit indicated that there were over 2,000 adverse events reported in 2012 that were similar to Molly Ann’s, and 151 of those events were deaths reported from the use of the drug.
Molly Ann’s Xarelto lawsuit joins the other 1,700 claims against Janssen and J&J that are pending in federal court. Pretrial proceedings are currently underway under U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Xarelto Side Effects
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an new generation anticoagulant drug designed to reduce the risk of stoke caused by atrial fibrillation. Additionally, it is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It was one of three newer generation drugs (Pradaxa and Eliquis are the other two) developed to be an improvement over the older generation drug, warfarin (Coumadin).
Doctors and patients alike liked the apparent ease of use of Xarelto. The dosing was easier, recommended monitoring and follow-up was required less frequently, and there were no dietary restrictions that the older drug warfarin had.
However, it wasn’t long after these drugs hit the market that adverse events began to be reported. Like its predecessor warfarin, excess bleeding could occur because the normal clotting mechanism of the blood was disabled.
Warfarin had an effective reversal agent to stop the side effects of the drug and reverse the excess bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma and intravenous vitamin K were used as an antidote to stop the bleeding. Xarelto, as well as Pradaxa and Eliquis, lack an effective antidote.
Because there is a lack of an antidote, bleeding can be severe and prolonged. Doctors must wait until the effects of the drug wear off and attempt to manage the bleeding as best as they can until the normal clotting mechanism is restored naturally by the body. Sometimes, the damage done is irreversible, and in some cases, this can be fatal.
Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit Information
If you or a loved one has suffered bleeding complications following Xarelto use, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A Xarelto lawyer will review your Xarelto injury case for free and will assist in guiding you on your legal options.
The Xarelto Bleeding Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-02881-GLF-EPD in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/204913-lawsuit-xarelto-caused-gastrointestinal-bleeding/

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Xarelto – Blood Thinner Lawsuit

Oct 29, 2015 | Baron & Budd

Xarelto – Blood Thinner Lawsuit
A blood thinner such as Xarelto is not supposed to cause health problems – it is supposed to help prevent them. However, patients have reported serious complications with Xarelto, which has been linked to severe internal bleeding that has sometimes been fatal. The Xarelto attorneys with Baron & Budd may be able to help if you or a loved one has been harmed by this blood thinner medication.What is Xarelto, and Why is it Dangerous?
Xarelto is one of the “new generation” of blood thinners marketed as an alternative to Warfarin (marketed under the brand name of Coumadin). For decades, Warfarin was the only choice for people at risk for forming blood clots. The drawback is that patients on Warfarin need to undergo continual monitoring to ensure the medication is working correctly. Patients who take Xarelto, on the other hand, do not have to be monitored nearly as often.
The downside – one that can potentially be fatal – is that if a patient on Xarelto experiences excessive bleeding there is no way to stop it. If this event happens to someone taking Warfarin, a doctor can administer large doses of vitamin K to thicken the blood. This antidote is not available for those taking Xarelto, and as a result there is a substantial risk of bleeding to death.Other Side Effects of Xarelto May Include:

Adrenal Bleeding
Blood Clots
Brain Hemorrhages
Epidural Hematoma
External Bleeding
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Internal Bleeding
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Kidney Failure
Liver Damage
Retinal Hemorrhage
Stroke
Xarelto and the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved Xarelto for patients who were having hip or knee replacement in order to lower the chances they would develop blood clots. The agency would later approve the drug for several other uses, such as the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Xarelto is also approved for patients who have atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
But studies have shown the dangers of the drug and the FDA has reacted. In fact, Xarelto’s own website shows that nearly 75 percent of people who participated in a study experienced bleeding events, anemia and other serious problems. Those who took higher doses were more susceptible to bleeding.
The FDA sent the marketer of Xarelto, Johnson & Johnson, a warning letter in 2013 stating that a print ad the company was running was misleading because it minimized the risks associated with taking the medication. In 2014, the agencyissued a warning stating that people who suddenly stop taking the drug could be at risk for blood clots.
There is currently no recall of Xarelto due to internal bleeding, but the investigation into the drug is still ongoing. It can often take a long time to bring out all the facts necessary to stimulate a recall, whether it is voluntary or involuntary.Why Should You File a Xarelto Lawsuit?
There are very few ways that a person can hold a pharmaceutical company accountable for harmful actions, and a Xarelto lawsuit is one of them. If you take legal action, you may be able to obtain compensation for lost wages and medical costs related to Xarelto complications.
Many patients took the drug without the slightest idea that the drug did not have an antidote. The main reason for this is that neither Johnson & Johnson nor Xarelto manufacturer Bayer warned patients or doctors of this risk. Instead of making sure that people knew of the risks, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson promoted the benefits instead.
People file Xarelto lawsuits for many reasons. For example, they may have experienced emotional distress due to having to care for a loved one harmed by the drug. Others sue because of financial hardships such as medical bills and lost wages. Still others take legal action due to the emotional and financial issues caused by the death of a loved one after a Xarelto complication.
Lawsuits can take many years, and settlements may not be forthcoming until several cases are tried in front of juries and drug manufacturers realize how much of a financial risk they face. However, that does not mean you can wait to file a lawsuit; you have a certain period of time where you can take legal action for any injuries you either sustained or may sustain in the future. This statute of limitations is a major reason you need to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as you can.
https://baronandbudd.com/health/pharmaceuticals/xarelto-blood-thinner-lawsuit/

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Dangerous Side Effects Linked To 3 Johnson & Johnson Prescription Drugs

Oct 29, 2015 | RightingInjustice

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

Janssen Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1953 and purchased by Johnson & Johnson in 1961. The company is now part of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, which conducts research and development activities for treatments for a variety of conditions including mental illness, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, fungal infections, allergies and cancer. While its medications aim to improve health, some carry serious side effects.
Janssen and its parent company has been charged time and time again of withholding side effects data in an effort to increase profits. Here are some Johnson & Johnson/Janssen medications that have been linked to serious adverse effects and for which the company faces mounting lawsuits.
Risperdal
The antipsychotic drug approved to treat patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and irritability with autism has been a top money making medication for Janssen, but it came at a price. The company ultimately paid billions to settle charges of illegal marketing of Risperdal – to the elderly with dementia, which had fatal results; and to children with psychological disorders years before it was approved for pediatric use. Janssen tried to doctor Risperdal side effects data, but it was later found the medication caused a devastating condition in boys and young men in which they grow female breasts. The condition, known as gynecomastia, is both emotionally and physically painful for adolescent boys. Treatment involves surgeries such as liposuction and mastectomy.
Xarelto
The blood thinner Xarelto hit the market in 2011 as the second in a new class of anticoagulants designed to prevent strokes in patients with a common heart condition known as atrial fibrillation. But Johnson & Johnson and Janssen were smart. The companies sought more indications for the drugs, giving it wider indications, resulting in by far the most sales of any other blood thinner in its class. The medication is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to prevent blood clots in patients who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.
Like other blood thinners, Xarelto has been linked to major bleeding events, including gastrointestinal bleeds, brain hemorrhages and bleeding deaths. Unlike long-used blood thinner warfarin, however, there are no FDA-approved antidote to reverse the bleeding effects of Xarelto in the event of an uncontrolled bleeding event. Lawsuits allege Janssen and Johnson & Johnson didn’t thoroughly test the drug before marketing it, and failed to adequately warn of Xarelto side effects.
Ivonkana/Invokamet
The type 2 diabetes drug market is a large and growing field, and Johnson & Johnson and Janssen were eager to jump in and reap their own profits. In 2013, the companies introduced Invokana (canaliflozin) and, a year later, Invokamet (canaliflozin and metformin), from a new class of diabetes drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. In May, the FDA issued a warning for Invokana and Invokamet, as well as other SGLT2 inhibitors, that use could cause a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening metabolic condition.
In September, the agency issued a separate warning specifically for Invokana and Invokament involving reports of bone fracture and decreased bone mineral density in patients treated with the drug. The agency said it is reviewing other SGLT2 inhibitors to determine if other brands should carry the same warnings.
http://www.rightinginjustice.com/news/2015/10/29/dangerous-side-effects-linked-to-3-johnson-johnson-prescription-drugs/

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