Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.

804 Members
3,840 Posts
0 Online
Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Xarelto Negative News

jbmc777
jbmc777
Hi all. I follow a few different DVT groups on Fbook and the internet, and on these sites Xarelto is getting some "rough" press lately regarding lawsuits due to bleeding injury/death. I was explained the risks of bleeding before I was placed on it, but I am reading some stories of Xarelto users and families of users that explain they were misled about the potential of excessive bleeding.

I am sure with every new drug there will be an attack on it's side effects and you will see tons of articles offering an option for legal action. We are a "sue first ask questions later" society in my opinion. But since I actually take this drug, I am curious if anyone has heard from their doctor any recent new concerns on bleeding.

I also read Portola Pharm. is moving to Phase 3 studies for an antidote for Factor Xa inhibitors like Xarelto. Hope it works out.

http://investors.portola.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=198136&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1945318&highlight=

Have great rest of the week everyone.
RetiredNavy02
RetiredNavy02
I've been on Xarelto now since 2012 after being on Coumadin for almost 20 years. I've had no issues nor side affects (that I know of). I've had my fair share of cuts and bruises from biking and found the bleeding to be no different then when I was on Coumadin. All anticoagulants have inherit bleeding risks so the recent law suits are no different other than the new medications are in the public eye because of long term uncertainty.

I suspect as time goes on the dosages will be individualized to fit each patients needs. Due to the current one size fits all prescribing, the dose may be too much or too little for every patient. Only time will tell as more research evidence becomes available.

Patients should weigh all factors when trying to decide if Xarelto is right for them.

That's my personal take.

R/Tom
jbmc777
jbmc777
Hi Tom. Glad you returned. I agree with you 100%. Same points you gave me when I was trying to make the decision to use X. You were a big help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm on Xarelto and I actually need 20 mg twice a day. It will be reduced in a few months, but I haven't had any issues on the higher dose. All blood thinners have risks. The studies have shown that Xarelto is slightly safer than Warfarin for brain bleeds. Not by much though. I have had two hematologists tell me that vitamin K (the reversal agent for Warfarin) is not going to do you much good if you do have a brain bleed -- it is just not fast enough. And I'm not saying this to scare people, but I personally knew two people last year that died due to Warfarin. One was in a high risk group because she was over 80 -- Xarelto would have been just as risky for her. The other person was not in a high risk group. It is truly a matter of weighing the risks of being on a blood thinner vs. the risks of not being on one.
Catalyzt
Catalyzt
Ya, very good analysis here from all. For me, with some anticardiolipin antibody activity (not quite enough to meet the criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome) and a connective tissue disorder, anti-clotting agents will likely help protect me from micro-thrombotic events in my brain. But they also carry their own risks.

I am still waiting for more stats before deciding to switch to X, despite maintaining a very active lifestyle and enjoying some high-risk sports on occasion.

I encourage everyone to keep posting back with links to any stats or research on Xaltero as this story continues to unfold. Thanks-- and yeah, Navy, good to see you out there!