Xarelto, the blockbuster anticoagulant that was approved by the FDA in 2011, has recently seen an increase in sales even as the drug continues to cause problems for a significant number of patients. In the first quarter of 2015, both Xarelto sales and J& J pharmaceutical division sales increased by 3% to $7.7 billion. Bayer has increased its forecast for Xarelto’s 2015 sales growth to 30% from 20%. Although it’s not clear why there has been an uptick in sales, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer have aggressively marketed the drug, which is meant to be an improved alternative to traditional anticoagulants like warfarin.
Unfortunately, Xarelto has caused numerous medical problems for patients who have been prescribed the drug. Because there is no antidote, patients are at risk of serious bleeding incidents. Additionally, since the drug requires less monitoring by doctors, patients may not know that they are at increased risk of complications until it is too late. The “one-size-fits-all” drug fails to account for individual patient conditions. Recent lawsuits contend that the manufacturers of Xarelto over-marketed the supposed benefits of the drug. So far, there are over 300 federally-filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer.
Legal Commentary
Xarelto attorneys within our firm are studying, examining and investigating current Xarelto claims on behalf of people and their families who may have been injured by the drug. Some of the side effects include hemorrhaging, internal bleeding, stroke and or death. If you or a loved one has experienced any side effects while taking Xarelto, contact our Xarelto lawyers to discuss the facts of your potential case. We are available by phone for a free consultation at 1.866.705.7584 or by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com.