Xarelto Associated With Elevated Risk of Bleeding

Xarelto is an oral anticoagulant, commonly called a blood thinner. Various types of blood thinners have been prescribed for decades, but Xarelto is one of a newer line of drugs developed with an eye towards minimizing the significant risk profile of older drugs such as Coumadin. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies may have failed in the goal of making a safer drug.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to people at risk of clotting disorders, including those at high risk of:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Atrial fibrillation

The risk factors associated with these diseases tend to increase as people age, and Xarelto has raked in millions of profits being prescribed to Baby Boomers who were sold on the premise that this was a safer option for managing clot risks. Unfortunately, Xarelto has been linked to many of the same bleedings risks as previous drugs. Despite protestations from the manufacturer to the contrary, people are continuing to have major bleeding problems while on the newer generation of blood thinners.

The elevated risk of bleeding, including both difficult to stop bleeding from cuts as well as internal bleeding, was noted on Xarelto’s label. Unfortunately, whether or not the extent of the risk was indicated is not clear. The manufacturers have insisted that patients and doctors received the necessary information to make an informed choice, but many patients and their families who have suffered from difficult to control bleeding disagree.

Johnson & Johnson and Bayer continue to insist the product is safe, even as a settlement has been reached with many of the people negatively affected by this drug. If you or someone you love was prescribed Xarelto and suffered significant side effects, including difficulty controlling bleeding or internal bleeding, please reach out to an experienced attorney regarding your case.