A new stroke study shows that Xarelto bleeding rates are higher than low dose aspirin. The purpose of the clinical trial was to determine whether or not the anticoagulant could have been used to prevent embolism and stroke.
The research study found that bleeding rates with Xarelto were higher than in cases in which low dose aspirin was used. They also found that the current treatment standards of low dose aspirin did not seem to have a reduced performance effect when compared with Xarelto.
Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Bayer Health Care market Xarelto and together they shared the news of the failed phase three study in a press release last October. Although the drug manufacturer cited safety and effectiveness reasons for the decision, the research study was unlikely to show any advantages for patients taking Xarelto when compared with aspirin for preventing embolic stroke.
Xarelto has long been promoted as a new and better version of existing medications to prevent systemic embolism and similar conditions. Many patients, however, have come forward with concerns about Xarelto bleeding rates after suffering severe internal bleeding.
More than 7,200 patients enrolled in more than 450 sites across 31 countries were involved in this study that identified the high bleeding rates. Researchers were looking at systemic embolism and stroke risk among patients that were given 100 mg of aspirin versus 15 mg of Xarelto.
They identified that a high bleeding risk affected the patients taking that medication despite the fact that the drug had approximately the same effectiveness as aspirin with regard to preventing strokes.
There are more than 18,000 drug liability lawsuits already filed regarding Xarelto and bleeding rates.. Many of these lawsuits have been filed by surviving family members who lost their loved ones due to uncontrollable bleeding while using the medication.
The pending lawsuits all argue that the drug manufacturers did not appropriately research and test the medication before putting it on the market. Xarelto was allegedly marketed as a superior option to Warfarin for those individuals at risk of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism. The side effects of Warfarin, however, can be quickly reversed with a popular antidote. At the time the drug was introduced, however, there was no reversal agent available.
This put all patients at risk of a life-threatening bleeding event that it would be difficult for hospitals and doctors to address. Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits argue that the manufacturer should have done more to warn them about the high risks of side effects.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to high Xarelto bleeding rates and wish to pursue a drug injury lawsuit, schedule a consultation with the lawyers at McDonald Worley today. Fill out the form on this page to receive a free case review.