It’s a week before your mother’s surgery and you’re completely freaking out. Although she doesn’t seem that concerned, you’re worried sick. As such, being the paranoid obsessive compulsive that you are, you decide to look up factors that may potentially go wrong. Well...that was a mistake.
Besides all of the potential complications and scary errors that could occur while she’s under the knife—even when the procedure is a success—she has a good chance of developing a blood clot. You then looked up blood clots and medications, and you nearly fainted. The first thing that popped up on your computer was an FDA report about a drug called Xarelto.
Xarelto? That name sounded familiar...Yep, it’s the same drug that your mom’s doctor suggested be prescribed at her last surgical visit. Your head is now swimming. You close your laptop and attempt to breathe. You then make a list of all the questions you’re going to ask the doctor before you allow your mother to be wheeled off to surgery, including why he is prescribing Xarelto, and if it is absolutely necessary.
Xarelto Prescriptions and Popularity
According to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Xarelto is the number one prescribed oral anticoagulant in the United States. However, over the past year, the Food and Drug Administration has raised some serious concerns about the drug’s safety. It cited complaints about the lack of sufficient warning labels, the inability to counteract the drug (lack of antidote), as well as bleeding concerns for catheter users, and increased risks of renal failure. Unfortunately, even though the FDA is continuing its investigation into the drug, it has not been recalled. Instead, the FDA suggested better labeling and warnings to be included with the medication until its review is completed.
Unfortunately, these new warning labels may not be enough for the hundreds of thousands of people who will be required to take an anticoagulant this year (stats taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Therefore, it is extremely important to discuss the risks, options, and symptoms of anticoagulation medication before surgeries and before you fill the prescription. Common reasons to be treated with Xarelto, or another Factor X inhibitor include if you:
- Recently had a stroke
- Are susceptible to blood clots
- Have deep vein thrombosis
- Have been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism
- Have recently had knee surgery
- Had hip surgery
- Underwent cardiovascular surgery
- Have recently had a traumatic head injury
Spreading the Word to Help Prevent a Popular Mistake
Although Xarelto has been recognized as an efficient anticoagulant, and is indeed prescribed to thousands of patients nationwide—side effects and dangers still exist. If you or a loved one has suffered from complications due to insufficient warnings, excessive bleeding, or side effects from Xarelto, you may be entitled to join the lawsuit against Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Contact us today for a free consultation and more information about your injury claim and rights.
We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible when deciding your future. Contact us directly for a free consultation and review of your case.
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