In our previous post we discussed the facts about the potentially dangerous drug, Xarelto, but what kind of serious complications can arise from its usage?
Hemorrhagic Complications
A 2013 study from the Goethe University Hospital in Germany establishes a strong correlation between Rivaroxaban treatment and hemorrhagic complications in patients with certain risk factors. The study, titled The Gap Between Trial Data and Clinical Practice, listed the following as risk factors for hemorrhagic complications when prescribing Rivaroxaban:
- Prescriber errors
- Impaired renal function
- Comedication with antiplatelet drugs or p-glycoprotein inhibitors
- Old age
- Low body weight
The authors reported the following: "Strikingly, the majority of the bleeding complications reported in this compilation of case reports showed at least one and in most cases several risk factors... We should, therefore, carefully select our patients for treatment with the NOA with an emphasis on age, body weight, renal function and comedications and follow them faithfully concerning their medication adherence and eventual side effects."
Postoperative Treatment
In 2012, a 58-year-old Caucasian male who had just undergone total hip arthroplasty experienced acute-onset severe rectal bleeding after taking Rivaroxaban in the postoperative period. Although the Rivaroxaban had been immediately discontinued, the patient required extensive treatment with units of packed red blood cells to support hemodynamic stability and manage the hemorrhage.
The researchers concluded:
"Although advantageous with regard to its oral availability and ongoing use without the need for daily monitoring, Rivaroxaban does not come without rare but severe side effects...This case, as the first to describe severe hemorrhage and Rivaroxaban, serves as a reminder to those prescribing the medicine that they must inform the patient of the risk of such a serious side effect and the need for urgent medical attention if it occurs."
Irregular Heartbeat
A 77-year-old female patient with a history of controlled hypertension (high blood pressure) was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and prescribed Rivaroxaban as treatment. Five months into treatment, she complained of painful swelling on her head. A CT scan revealed a large extradural hematoma and a right occipital subdural hematoma. The patient was instructed to stop taking the medication; six weeks later, the complications had completely resolved.
"Our patient lacked provoking factors (trauma, renal dysfunction, or uncontrolled blood pressure), yet developed a spontaneous subdural hematoma, which is a serious complication. Awareness and early recognition of this grave complication and withdrawal of Rivaroxaban can be lifesaving."
Every state has a different statute of limitations that determines in what time frame an injury claim must be filed. If you have been a victim of injuries caused by Xarelto, it's important to act fast. Our legal team can help you determine the statute of limitations for your case and discuss your options for obtaining the compensation you deserve.
For more information regarding the harm of Xarelto, download a copy of our free E-book, The Xarelto Disaster: How Johnson & Johnson Failed to Warn Consumers of Deadly Internal Bleeding Risks or call our experienced attorneys to discuss your particular issue with Xarelto by calling 855-423-3666.