What is Xarelto?
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner, known as a anticoagulant. Blood thinners are used to prevent the formation of blood clots in veins. Xarelto was approved to prevent a specific type of blood clod, known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), particularly after surgery. Xarelto is also available to lower the risk of blood clot formation or strokes caused by the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation.
Unlike Warfarin, Xarelto was marketed as not requiring as much monitoring. This helped Johnson and Johnson market Xarelto as a superior alternative to Warfarin. In cases where uncontrolled bleeding occurs, Warfarin can be reversed with a “reversal agent” (vitamin K), causing the effects of the drug to be stopped. Xarelto has no such safety design, and even dialysis is ineffective at purging the body of active medication. The result is if uncontrolled bleeding occurs, there is no way to stop the affects of Xarelto, and no way to stop the bleeding. The result can be fatal bleeding out, even in a hospital under care, that could have been prevented on warfarin by a simple vitamin K injection.
How Does Xarelto Work?
Xarelto prevents clotting by blocking the protein factor Xa. By preventing factor Xa from forming thrombin, it prevents the body from completing the normal clotting process. Once Xarelto is taken, this effect can occur for up to 24 hours.
Xarelto Internal Bleeding
When on Xarelto patients, particularly older patients who may have Xarelto in their blood stream longer, are at greater risk of internal bleeding. A fall that injures their body or head can result in uncontrolled internal bleeding, severe hemorrhaging, and can even occur without the patient knowing.
What are the Symptoms of Xarelto Internal Bleeding?
If you are on Xarelto and suffer these symptoms, a bleeding issue may be the cause:
- sweaty skin
- nose bleeds
- bleeding gums
- blood in urine
- blood after coughing
- sweaty or cold skin
- headaches, weakness
If uncontrolled bleeding continues, it can lead to hypovolemic shock.
What is Hypovolemic Shock?
Hypovolemic shock is the result of excessive bleeding resulting in the loss off too much blood. Untreated it can lead to death. Initial treatment typically includes fluid infusions to treat the shock.
If you or a loved one has taken Xarelto and suffered a serious complication, Johnson and Johnson may be liable due to their failure to warm about the full risks of the medication. Contact Levin Simes today at 1-888-426-4156 or at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Xarelto can cause blood clots around your spinal cord if taken and you receive an epidural or spinal tap. These clots can lead to paralysis.
You are at increased risk if:
- You have a spinal catheter
- You have a generic spinal defect
- You have undergone spinal surgery or spinal taps in the past
- You had a recent spinal surgery or spinal tap
- You are using over the counter NSAID pain medications – including Advil, Aleve and Motrin
- You are already using medication to treat blood clots
You should not use Xarelto if:
- You have an artificial heart valve
- You have active bleeding
- You have uncontrolled bleeding
Xarelto can worsen bleeding if:
- You have a genetic or disease based bleeding disorder
- You have had a hemorrhagic stroke
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have internal bleeding such as intestinal bleeding in the stomach (an active ulcer)
- You take aspirin, warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, Plavix, clopidogrel, heparin, SSRIs or SNRIs
Xarelto side effects include:
- Easy bruising
- Pain in arm or legs
- Pain in muscles
- Spinal blood clots, potentially causing paralysis, if taken and certain procedures are performed
Xarelto requires periodic testing of your kidneys (renal function) to determine if you can safety take Xarelto.
If you wish to discuss Xarelto bleeding with experienced pharmaceutical trial attorneys, please leave a message with the form on this page, or contact Levin Simes Abrams today at 1-888-426-4156 or at email@example.com. We look forward to your free consultation to discuss the facts surrounding your injury.