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There are numerous medical conditions that require anticoagulation therapy, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart rhythm disorders and atrial fibrillation, among others.

Coumadin, known also as Warfarin, was the only option for an anticoagulant, until recently. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) prevent the clotting of blood to reduce complications such as blood clots from forming and traveling to the brain which can lead to a stroke.

Although Coumadin has been around for a substantial amount of time, 60 years, the problem is the cumbersome need for frequent regular blood tests needed to measure the amount of blood thinning. Recently though, newer anticoagulation drugs have been approved, with the first being Pradaxa, followed by Xarelto. These drugs work differently than Coumadin and are known as direct Factor Xa (ten) inhibitors or thrombin inhibitors. While Xarelto (rivaroxaban), made by Bayer, works to prevent blood clots while protecting patients from suffering several disorders including pulmonary embolism and DVT, it can cause irreversible internal bleeding that can lead to hospitalization and in some cases even death.

Xarelto Injuries

A California man, 87, suffered threatening Xarelto bleeding side effects and has recently filed a lawsuit against Bayer Healthcare demanding compensation for his severe and permanent personal injuries, suffering, emotional distress and pain.

According to the suit, he had begun using Xarelto in early 2012 on his doctor’s advice and suffered a gastrointestinal bleed on October 15, 2012. The lawsuit contends his permanent injuries are directly related and caused by Xarelto use.

Xarelto Safety Warnings

Xarelto may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink.

Xarelto can cause bleeding. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use great caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters. Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Avoid activities such as contact sports. If you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to check you for hidden bleeding that could be serious.

Xarelto Studies & Findings

A recent Phase III study, found 73 percent of the 16,000 patients experienced Xarelto side effects including bleeding and anemia. While, in a clinical trial that involved 14,000 participants, the rate of clinically excessive bleeding was particularly high – 15 percent – making Xarelto the riskiest drug treatment of its kind on the market.

Additionally, in 2013, German media reported that Bayer confirmed more than 960 incidents in which Xarelto bleeding side effects including 72 deaths was up from 750 reports and 58 deaths in 2012. The highest numbers of reported injuries were ironically pulmonary embolisms, the very thing that the drug is designed to prevent.

Xarelto Lawsuits Increasing

Nearly one million prescriptions of Xarelto are written each quarter, a 240% increase from last year. America’s Institute for Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP) says, “Anticoagulant drugs are a high-risk treatment and cause bleeding in approximately 15% of patients with atrial fibrillation exposed for a year”.

News reports blame Xarelto for 1,400 deaths.

If you or a family member has suffered serious, uncontrollable bleeding while using Xarelo, you should seek advice from an attorney regarding compensation.

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