Xarelto Lawsuit

If you or a loved one suffered severe bleeding or other complications after taking Xarelto, you are not alone. Thousands of patients across the United States have experienced life-altering injuries linked to this popular blood thinner, leading many to seek justice and compensation through legal action.

At Lawsuits.com, our network of local lawyers is here to guide individuals affected by Xarelto through these challenging times, providing support and trusted legal assistance every step of the way.

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What is Xarelto?

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant, or blood-thinning medication, developed by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG. Initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011, Xarelto was marketed as a convenient alternative to traditional blood thinners like warfarin, requiring less regular monitoring. It quickly gained popularity and has been prescribed to millions of patients at risk of blood clots, particularly those with conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation.

However, as more patients began using Xarelto, reports of serious, sometimes fatal bleeding complications surfaced. Unlike warfarin, which has a known antidote to counteract bleeding, Xarelto lacked an effective reversal agent until 2018. This left patients vulnerable to uncontrolled bleeding events, including gastrointestinal bleeding, brain hemorrhages, and other severe injuries. Many patients and their families have since filed lawsuits, claiming the drug’s manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about these risks.

Who Might Be Eligible for a Xarelto Lawsuit?

Patients who experienced severe bleeding or other serious side effects while taking Xarelto may be eligible for compensation. Xarelto lawsuits typically involve claims of:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding – One of the most common side effects reported, often requiring hospitalization and blood transfusions.
• Intracranial bleeding – Brain hemorrhages can lead to lasting neurological damage or death.
• Other bleeding-related injuries – Including spinal or epidural hematomas, which can cause paralysis, and obstetric hemorrhages in pregnant women.
• Heart attack or stroke – Although Xarelto is intended to reduce the risk of these events, some users have suffered strokes or heart attacks linked to complications from the drug.
• Wrongful death – For families who lost a loved one due to Xarelto-related bleeding.

If you or a family member experienced any of these side effects after using Xarelto, a lawyer within Lawsuits.com’s network can help evaluate your case and advise on potential next steps.

Why Xarelto Was Prescribed

Xarelto was initially approved to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgeries, who face a heightened risk of clot formation post-surgery. The FDA later expanded its approved uses to include:

• Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Prevention of recurrent DVT and PE
• Stroke prevention for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

For many patients with these conditions, blood thinners like Xarelto are critical in reducing the risk of life-threatening events. However, the benefits come with significant risks, especially for those who may be more vulnerable to side effects or interactions with other medications. Because Xarelto thins the blood, it can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, especially if the patient is injured or requires surgery.

FDA Warnings About Xarelto

Since its initial approval, the FDA has issued several warnings about Xarelto, highlighting specific groups who may be at higher risk of adverse effects. According to the FDA, people with certain conditions or taking certain other medications should avoid Xarelto altogether. These include:

• Patients with kidney (renal) failure – Xarelto is primarily excreted through the kidneys, so patients with impaired kidney function may be at an elevated risk of bleeding complications.
• Those with liver (hepatic) impairment – Because the drug is also processed in the liver, individuals with liver issues may experience more severe side effects.
• Pregnant women – Xarelto carries significant risks for pregnant women, including bleeding complications that can affect both the mother and fetus.
• Patients with prosthetic heart valves – Xarelto has not been approved for use in individuals with artificial heart valves.
• Patients using other anticoagulants – Combining Xarelto with other blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding.
• Patients taking certain CYP3A inhibitors – Medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir can interfere with how Xarelto is metabolized, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Additionally, the FDA has mandated that Xarelto’s label warn of the increased risk of bleeding and other potential side effects. However, many patients claim they were not properly informed of these risks, especially in situations where a bleeding incident could be life-threatening.

Serious Side Effects Associated with Xarelto

While any blood thinner can increase the risk of bleeding, Xarelto’s lack of a reversal agent until recently placed patients at unique risk. Some of the severe side effects and injuries reported include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding – Bleeding in the stomach or intestines, often leading to hospitalization and significant medical expenses.
• Intracranial bleeding – Brain hemorrhages that can result in stroke, permanent disability, or death.
• Spinal or epidural hematomas – These can lead to long-term paralysis or neurological damage, especially in patients undergoing spinal surgery or certain procedures.
• Excessive bleeding during surgery or accidents – Because Xarelto cannot be easily reversed, patients who suffer injuries or require emergency surgery face an increased risk of complications.

The introduction of Andexxa in 2018, a drug that reverses the effects of Factor Xa inhibitors like Xarelto, has offered some relief to patients. However, for years, patients who used Xarelto were at risk of life-threatening bleeding events without a reliable way to counteract the drug’s effects in emergencies.

Legal Claims Against Xarelto’s Manufacturers

The legal claims against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG focus on allegations that the companies failed to adequately warn patients and medical providers of the risks associated with Xarelto. Lawsuits allege that the manufacturers:

• Failed to inform patients about the severe bleeding risks adequately
• Did not disclose the need for monitoring, unlike traditional anticoagulants such as Warfarin
• Sold Xarelto without providing an antidote until 2018, leaving patients at risk if uncontrolled bleeding occurred

While other blood-thinning medications offer reversible effects, Xarelto users did not have this option for many years, a fact that significantly heightened the risk of severe injury or even death. In response, lawsuits began to accumulate, leading to a large-scale multidistrict litigation (MDL) effort.

The plaintiffs in Xarelto lawsuits primarily seek financial compensation for the injuries and losses they sustained. Each case involves personal and challenging medical experiences, and patients can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages related to Xarelto injuries. Your local lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you might be eligible to join this type of litigation.

Compensation for Xarelto Injuries

Patients who experienced serious injury or loss due to Xarelto may seek a range of damages to help cover the substantial financial, emotional, and physical costs associated with their experience. Some of the most common damages include:

• Medical expenses – This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, blood transfusions, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost income – Patients who are unable to work due to their injuries may recover lost income.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from Xarelto-related injuries.
• Wrongful death – Families who lost a loved one to Xarelto complications may be able to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

These damages aim to provide some relief to patients and their families, enabling them to focus on recovery without financial strain. 

Navigating Xarelto Litigation

Xarelto lawsuits have gone through two significant waves of litigation. Over 32,000 plaintiffs filed claims against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG, resulting in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Louisiana. Initial bellwether trials favored the manufacturers, with Johnson & Johnson winning the first three cases in federal court.

However, Johnson & Johnson eventually agreed to a $775 million settlement, compensating many plaintiffs who suffered from severe bleeding injuries due to Xarelto. Although the FDA’s approval of the antidote Andexxa in 2018 has since reduced the likelihood of similar claims, the option for legal recourse remains available for those harmed before this date or who continue to experience complications.

If you believe you have a Xarelto injury claim, a local attorney in your area will discuss the eligibility criteria and explain the necessary steps for moving forward with your case.

Why Contact a Local Lawyer About Your Xarelto Claim?

Navigating a complex pharmaceutical lawsuit like those involving Xarelto can be challenging, especially while coping with medical issues. A lawyer within Lawsuits.com’s network, who operates within your jurisdiction, can help simplify this process. With experience handling cases related to dangerous drugs and defective medical products, a local lawyer can guide you through each step, from evaluating your case to filing a claim and advocating for fair compensation.

Experienced attorneys can also help gather the necessary medical records, expert testimonies, and evidence to support your claim. Most importantly, they can provide the personalized support and legal skill you need during this difficult time, all while working on a contingency basis. This means that you will only pay if you receive compensation for your injuries.guidance every step of the way. Don’t let your suffering go unheard—seek the justice you deserve.

Xarelto Lawsuit FAQs

Take Action on Your Xarelto Injury Claim Today

If you or a loved one suffered serious side effects after using Xarelto, don't wait to seek legal guidance. Time limits apply to filing claims, and waiting too long could impact your ability to pursue compensation. By reaching out to a lawyer within Lawsuits.com’s network, you can take the first step toward holding the drug manufacturers accountable and securing the resources you need to recover.

At Lawsuits.com, connecting with a qualified lawyer in your area is simple. Our network of attorneys understands the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation and is dedicated to helping victims of dangerous drugs. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. A local lawyer will review your circumstances and help determine the best course of action, empowering you with the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about your future.