Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
As of December 2016, approximately 34 Eliquis lawsuits were pending against the drug’s manufacturers, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, Inc. The plaintiffs claim they were harmed as a result of the manufacturers’ failure to warn of serious, potentially life-threatening risks linked to Eliquis and other drugs like it.
Eliquis belongs to a newer class of anticoagulants (blood thinners) that has been hailed as a lower-maintenance alternative to the long-standing warfarin. Along with Pradaxa and Xarelto, injury claims against Eliquis have been on the rise, and they’re not expected to slow down anytime soon. If you have been injured by Eliquis or another defective medication, it is in your best interest to consult with a Boston drug injury lawyer today.
Eliquis was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treatment of blood clots in patients with disorders such as atrial fibrillation. Demand for the new drug grew quickly; unlike its predecessor warfarin, Eliquis doesn’t require “inconvenient” blood monitoring. This benefit, however, was soon overshadowed by one very negative side effect. As with all anticoagulants, Eliquis reduces blood clotting and can increase the risk of excessive, uncontrollable bleeding. Warfarin has an antidote to stop the excessive bleeding – vitamin K. Unfortunately, no such antidote exists for patients on Eliquis, Pradaxa, and Xarelto. Basically, if a patient starts bleeding uncontrollably, there is no way to stop it.
Medical Complications Linked to Eliquis
If you develop unexplained bruising, feel faint or dizzy, or begin bleeding uncontrollably while on Eliquis, contact your physician immediately. The complications below can all be fatal if undetected, or when left untreated.
- Brain hemorrhaging
- Bleeding of the kidneys or intestines
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Death
Approval Based on a Flawed Study
The FDA’s approval of Eliquis was largely based on a study published in a 2011 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The ARISTOTLE study concluded that Eliquis was more effective at preventing stroke and systemic bleeding than warfarin. It also stated that Eliquis caused less bleeding and, thus, was linked to a lower rate of mortality. However, the study was later found to be riddled with flaws. Side effects of Eliquis were concealed by agents of the defendants. In fact, one of those concealed side effects resulted in a patient’s death during the study. In addition, some study participants who were not being treated with Eliquis were said to be taking the drug. Research has shown that the study’s results were largely manipulated. But Eliquis remains on the market today.
Eliquis sales amounted to about $774 million in 2014, a hefty sum helped along by the $8 million paid to physicians in 2013 to encourage prescriptions of the drug. A MA injury lawyer can help you determine whether to file a claim if you’ve been harmed by Eliquis or a similar dangerous drug. Pharmaceutical companies make billions in profits. When their negligent actions result in injury or death, they should be held accountable for their actions. New evidence reveals that manufacturers of Eliquis, Pradaxa, and Xarelto likely knew about the associated risks but failed to warn physicians and the public.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Drug Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured by a dangerous or defective prescription drug, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We will analyze the details of your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy and position you for the best possible outcome. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our experienced attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we will make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward. If you’ve been harmed by the negligence of a pharmaceutical company, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
