Eliquis is a blood-thinning drug, or anticoagulant, that was approved for use in 2012. Known generically as apixaban, Eliquis is used to prevent blood clots in susceptible patients, such as people with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. Eliquis may also be used after hip or knee replacement surgery to prevent a blood clot called deep vein thrombosis. This can lead to blood clots in the lungs. However, like other newer anticoagulants on the marketplace, there is evidence that Eliquis may present increased risks of uncontrolled bleeding. The risks are potentially life threatening.
Like some other of the newest blood thinners on the pharmaceutical market, Eliquis was seen as a better alternative to the traditional warfarin, which requires blood monitoring at regular intervals. Anticoagulants are designed to prevent strokes and other problems by inhibiting blood from clotting. Unlike new types of blood thinners, warfarin worked using a vitamin K antidote. While this drug required regular monitoring for the patient, the patient who was suffering uncontrolled bleeding was able to stop the anticoagulant effect due to the antidote.
Eliquis and other new anticoagulants on the market have not approved an antidote. Therefore, if a patient is experiencing uncontrolled internal bleeding, for example, there is no way to reverse the process, creating a very serious and life-threatening situation.
There are several injuries and instances of bodily damage that can possibly be linked to Eliquis. These include retinal hemorrhages, adrenal bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, epidural hematoma, hemoglobin decrease, intracranial hemorrhages, pulmonary embolism, rectal bleeding, kidney bleeding, and death.
Lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, who produce Eliquis. Persons who have been affected by an uncontrolled bleeding event tied to the use of Eliquis may be entitled to compensation, including lost wages, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and funeral bills. The lawsuits claim that the makers of Eliquis failed to adequately warn patients about the risks associated with the drug, including the fact that no reversal agent exists in the product in the case of a severe bleeding event. Other recent lawsuits regarding similar problems with other blood thinners on the market resulted in settlements for thousands of people.
Article Type: Lawsuit
Topic: Patient Care