The Plavix lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been investigating potential cases against Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myer Squibb for failing to warn about the dangerous side effects of Plavix for over three years, and potential Plavix lawsuits are continuing to be evaluated for individuals who suffered a:

• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular Death
• Internal Bleeding
• Ulcers
• Blood Disorder: Thombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpora (TTP)

The new Plavix black box warning is the strongest type of cautionary statement that can be placed on a prescription medication. The FDA mandated the warning to ensure that doctors and consumers are aware that Plavix may be ineffective in users who are poor metabolizers of the drug, which could affect up to 14% of the population.

There is a genetic test available that can identify which potential Plavix users have reduced functioning of the CYP2C19 liver enzyme, making them poor Plavix metabolizers. If the drug makers had properly warned about this risk earlier, it could have prevented many users from suffering heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular injuries. It also could have allowed users to avoid unnecessary exposure to Plavix side effects.

PLAVIX LAWSUITS

If you, a friend or family member have taken Plavix and suffered a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, ulcers, TTP or death, request a free consultation and claim evaluation to determine if compensation may be available through a Plavix lawsuit. All cases are reviewed and evaluated on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.

>>REQUEST A FREE PLAVIX CASE EVALUATION<<

>>INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects

The study was published in this week’s edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers evaluated data from 3,137 individuals who were prescribed Plavix at VA Hospitals between 2003 and 2005. They found that the rate of heart attacks and deaths suffered during the first three months after stopping Plavix was nearly twice as high as later periods.

Plavix, known generically as clopidogrel, is an antiplatelet medication which is prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Plavix heart attack problems are being referred to as a “rebound effect”, which is a term used to describe the tendency of some medications to cause a return of the symptoms which are being treated when the drug is stopped, sometimes even more severe than before.

The researchers have suggested that doctors may need to re-evaluate the way they treat individuals who are taking Plavix. It may be necessary for individuals to stay on the drug longer so that they can come off of it graduallly, to stay on the medication indefinitely or to possibly add other medications as Plavix is reduced so that they can reduce the potential risk of a heart attack or death after stopping Plavix.

PLAVIX RISKS

Since 2006, the lawyers at Saontz & Kirk, P.A. have been reviewing potential Plavix lawsuits for users who suffered from Plavix side effects. Although Plavix is often prescribed to reduce the risk of a blood clots, prior studies have suggested that off-label use in patients with no prior history of a heart attack or stroke could nearly double the risk of a heart attack, stroke, intestinal bleeding or death when compared to use of Aspirin alone to prevent clots. In addition, the combined use of Aspirin and Plavix could increase the risk of recurring stomach bleeds for individuals with a prior healed ulcer or lead to the potential risk of a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

If you, a friend or family member suffered a Plavix problems which could be related to the use of the blood thinner, request a free claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Heart Stent Lawsuits

The manufacturers of drug coated stents, Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific, previously indicated that it would only be necessary for individuals to remain on Plavix for three to six months following stent placement.  However, they failed to properly research their product or warn about the heart stent problems which could lead to blood clots at the site of the stent months or even years later.  As a result, many doctors are now recommending that patients remain on Plavix for a long time to reduce the risk of injury in the future.

The long term use of Plavix can result in unpleasant side effects for users, as well as an increased risk of other injuries such as excessive bleeding, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and a rare blood disorder known as TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpora)

>>INFORMATION: Plavix side effects

LAWSUITS FOR HEART STENTS AND PLAVIX

For several months, Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. has been representing individuals who suffered a heart attack or reclogging of the artery after receiving a drug coated stent.  Our lawyers are now also reviewing potential claims for individuals who have not experienced a blood clot, but now must remain on Plavix long term.  To determine if you may have a potential claim, request a stent lawsuit consultation.

Plavix is a popular blood thinner which has been heavily marketed and advertised to consumers and to physicians.  The drug makers promote Plavix for anyone who is at risk for a heart attack or stroke, even though Plavix has only been approved as safe for those who already suffered a heart attack, stroke, had peripheral vascular disease or acute coronary syndrome.

When the FDA approved Plavix, it was estimated by the New York Times that the drug would generate approximately $300 million to $1 billion in annual sales.  As a result of excessive promotion and misleading statements, the drug has grown into a blockbuster with over $6 billion in annual sales.

During a recent broadcast of the NBC Nightly News, an extended 75 second commercial for Plavix was aired.  Although the advertisement was nearly three times longer than most commercials, Plavix side effects were minimized while the drug makers attempted to scare viewers into thinking they will suffer a heart attack or stroke if they do not take Plavix.  The commercial encouraged viewers to visit their doctors right away about Plavix, “because you’re no match for a dangerous clot”.

Despite representations made in advertisements, studies have shown that Plavix is no more effective than aspirin at preventing heart attacks and strokes.  In fact, for users with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, Plavix side effects actually increase the risk of a first heart attack or stroke.  Other potentially fatal side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, recurring ulcers and a rare blood disorder known as TTP.

>> INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects 

The manufacturers of Plavix want users to believe that they need to take the drug and will need to continue taking it forever.  The recent advertisement warned viewers who are already on Plavix that even if they are feeling better, the risk of a dangerous clot never goes away.  The message is, “stay protected, stay with Plavix.”  These statements are made, even though the safety and effectiveness of long-term Plavix use is debated and has not been sufficiently studied.

Consumers and physicians reasonably rely on the statements and representations of manufacturers regarding safe uses and associated risks when determining whether to take a medication.  The FDA has previously issued Plavix warning letters to the drug makers, describing promotional statements as false, misleading and inaccurate.  
 
Many believe that direct-to-consumer advertisements containing misleading statements constitute an unconscionable commercial practice.  Sanofi Adventis and Bristol Myers-Squibb, the makers of Plavix, have generated billions of dollars in revenue as a result of their actions.  At the same time, many users who should not have taken the medication suffered serious injuries or death.

PLAVIX SIDE EFFECTS LAWSUITS

In many cases, the injuries suffered as a result of Plavix side effects could have been prevented if the makers acted responsibly.  Plavix lawsuits are being reviewed by our product liability lawyers nationwide.  If you, a friend or family member have suffered an injury after taking Plavix, request a free claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Heart stent problems

The FDA panel was convened to review the safety of drug eluting heart stents after recent studies demonstrated an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and death associated with the devices.  The panel found that when the stents are used as approved, the benefits outweigh the risk.  However, it has been estimated that only 20-40% of all drug eluting stents are implanted in patients meeting the profile for which they have been determined to be safe.

Currently, the majority of cases where medicated stents are used to open clogged arteries are considered “off-label”.  At the FDA meetings, several presenters who analyzed the latest heart stents data, concluded that there is an increased risk of blood clots associated with these off-label uses.  Further drug coated stent studies are necessary to fully evaluate the extent of the the blood clot risk.   

Rather than concluding that a drug coated stent recall is necessary to protect the public, the panel has recommended that manufacturer do more to warn the public of these off-label dangers.

Off-label stent uses could include situations where the patient is sicker or has conditions such as diabetes, multiple blockages, or blocked narrow arteries.  Some experts indicated that those individuals may do better with heart bypass surgery instead of having a drug eluding stent implanted.

The FDA panel also recommended that individuals take an anti-clotting medication for at least a year after the stent is implanted.  Currently the manufacturer of the Cypher stent only recommends three months of blood thinner and the manufacturer of the Taxus stent only recommends six months.  Many doctors believe that anti-clotting medications, such as Plavix, need to be taken for even longer than one year.  However, there are serious concerns regarding Plavix side effects which could be increased with extended use of the blood thinner. 

Drug coated stent lawsuits are currently being investigated and reviewed for individuals who have suffered blood clots, reclogging of the artery, heart attacks or death.  The manufacturers have failed to adequately warn about the drug coated stent dangers. 

If you, a friend or family member believe you may have a case, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

The Johnson & Johnson Cypher stent and Boston Scientific Taxus stent have been shown to increase the risk of potentially fatal blood clots months or even years after the stent is put in place. A study published today by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has added fuel to the concerns about drug eluting stent problems. When compared to bare-metal stents, the study demonstrated that these stents double the risk of a heart attack or stroke after blood thinners are stopped.

The FDA will evaluate whether the long term risk of blood clots outweighs the benefits provided by the drug coating. They may restrict the profile of which patients should be given drug eluting stents. Another possibility would be a revision of the recommended course of Plavix, or other blood thinners, which should be taken after the stent is put in place. Some doctors have indicated that it may be necessary for those receiving drug eluting stents to take Plavix for years to reduce the risk of blood clots.

It is unclear whether the FDA will address the increased risk of potential Plavix side effects which could be caused if the blood thinner is taken for years. Studies have indicated that Plavix dangers could lead to an increased risk of severe grastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, heart attacks, strokes, TTP blood disorders and death. Plavix has been the subject of recent lawsuits for users who have suffered these injuries.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Plavix Lawsuits

Saiontz & Kirk will be closely monitoring the FDA stent hearings. Any updates regarding the drug eluting stent problems or recommendations made by the FDA, will be posted to our site: www.YouHaveALawyer.com/blog. To subscribe and receive updates by email, click here.

Potential stent lawsuits are being reviewed by our product liability lawyers. If you believe that you may have a claim, request a free case evaluation.

>>MORE INFORMATION:  TTP Caused by Plavix (clopidogrel)

Over the past few months, Saiontz & Kirk has been investigating Plavix lawsuits for users who have suffered internal bleeding, ulcers, TTP, heart attacks, strokes or death.  Although the number of people diagnosed with TTP after taking Plavix is small, there has been an established increased risk associated with the medication, even if it is only taken for a few weeks.

>>INFORMATION:  Plavix Safety Information and Resources

Any individual who has taken Plavix (clopidogrel) and been diagnosed with TTP may be entitled to compensation.  If you, a friend or family member may have a case, request a free Plavix TTP claim evaluation.

>>PRIOR POST (10/26/2006) Drug Eluting Stent Lawsuits being Reviewed

Recent studies now indicate that medicated stents provide limited, if any, benefit for individuals who do not receive them during the early stages after a heart attack.  Last week, at a medical conference in Chicago, researchers indicated that the use medicated stents and angioplasty proceedures days after a heart attack exposes patients to substantial risks without providing any benefits. 

Experts indicated that doctors should not attempt to open closed arteries for patients who had a heart attack days or weeks earlier.  These patients are often stable, with little or no chest pain.  The angioplasty exposes these individuals to general risks associated with the proceedure, as well as to the increased risk of late stent thrombosis (blood clots which could form months or years later).

As many as 50,000 patients a year receive medicated stents three or more days after a heart attack.  In many cases individuals may not immediately realize that they have had a heart attack, or may not go to the hospital or doctor until days later.  After several days, the study found that it is unlikely that use of medicated stents will prevent heart damage.

The Saiontz & Kirk product liability lawyers have been investigating medicated stent lawsuits for individuals who suffered a heart attack or blood clot at the site of their stent.  The manufacturers have failed to adequately warn users and the medical community of the risks associated with medicated stents.  This has resulted in many individuals being exposed to unnecessary risk.

If you, a friend or family member believe that an injury was suffered as a result of a medicated stent, request a free claim evaluation.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Plavix side effects

After the FDA approved Plavix, the manufacturers aggressively marketed the medication, and it was pushed by drug representatives for uses that were beyond what had been found safe.  An article published in the New York Times on October 25, 1997 estimated that the new medication may generate between $300 million and $1 billion in annual sales over the coming years.  However, as a result of over-promotion and exaggerated statements about the benefits of Plavix, sales currently exceed $6.3 billion a year.

The manufacturers have received several FDA Plavix warning letters as a result of what they considered false, misleading and unsubstantiated promotional statements.  They were more concerned with generating increased sales, even if it increased the risk of injury for users.

The fact that the manufacturers rushed the FDA approval process is further indication of the priority they placed on their ability to bring the product to market and profit from the medication, even at the expense of patient safety. 

Recently criminal investigations have surrounded Bristol-Myers Squibb for their fraudulent actions in trying to keep generic Plavix from reaching the market and impacting their exclusive market on the blood thinner.  This is further evidence that this corporation is willing to bend the rules to generate a profit.

Our lawyers are investigating Plavix lawsuits for users of the blood thinner who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, ulcers or death.  To find out if you or a family member has a claim, request a free case evaluation.

Plavix Information and Resources

• Side Effects of Plavix
• Plavix Studies
• Plavix Warning Letters from FDA
• Plavix Lawsuit Information
• Plavix News and Updates from this blog

If you, a friend or family member have suffered a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, ulcers or death after using Plavix, we provide free consultations to determine if you may be entitled to compensation.  Request a free claim evaluation.

The Plavix lawsuit was filed on behalf of Dorothy and Thomas Hall, who reside in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Mrs. Hall suffered two strokes while taking Plavix for just over two years.  The complaint was filed against Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturers of the medication.

Saiontz & Kirk recently announced that Plavix lawsuits are being investigated by our product liability lawyers for users who suffered a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, blood disorders or death.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects

At the time that Plavix was developed, the manufacturers knew that the risk associated with their medication outweighed the potential benefits.  Despite their knowledge regarding the Plavix dangers, they made false promotional statements regarding the safety of the blood thinner which directly contradicted their own studies.  These statements were designed to increase sales without consideration for the safety of patients.

To find out if you have a potential Plavix claim, request a free case evaluation.
 

• In February 2005, a New England Journal of Medicine Plavix study indicated that individuals with a history of ulcers or who are prone to gastrointestinal problems are 12 times more likely to experience reoccurrence of bleeding ulcers than those taking aspirin and a heart burn pill.
• In March 2006, a study found that there was no benefit in combining Plavix and aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  In fact, that research found that patients with high cholesterol or high blood pressure experienced two times the risk of having a first heart attack or stroke on Plavix.

Many believe that Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myer Squibb failed to disclose the Plavix dangers out of fear that it would impact the $6.4 billion dollars in annual sales of their blockbuster drug.  These actions are consistent with the recent disclosure of that the Bristol-Myer Squibb CEO fraudulently attempted to keep Plavix generics from reaching the market so that they could maintain exclusive right to sell the blood thinner.  As a result of the actions of the executives surrounding the Plavix generic, criminal investigations are under way.

The failure to notify consumers and the medical community of the Plavix side effects has denied individuals the ability to make an informed decision about the risks and benefits of the medication.  This appears to be another example of a corporation placing profits above the safety and health of their consumers.

>>INFORMATION: Plavix Lawsuits 

Our Plavix lawyers are reviewing potential claims for injuries suffered by users of the blood thinner.  To find out if you have a claim, request a free case evaluation.

>>RELATED POST (9/16/06): Drug coated stents may increase risk of stent thrombosis

Since drug coated stents were introduced in 2003, they have taken over the cardiac stent market, and currently account for nearly 85% of all heart stents used in the United States.  Although they cost nearly three times as much as prior bare-metal stents, studies have shown that they increase the risk of thrombosis, or blood clots, for years after the stents are implanted.

Our product liability lawyers have been following these developments closely since the announcement that we are investigating Plavix side effects lawsuits.  After drug-eluting stents are implanted, patients are often started on a course of Plavix.  In response to our announcement we have spoken with several individuals who received a medicated stent, took Plavix then had a heart attack or stroke. 

We are currently reviewing the studies and intend to post further information about the heart stent dangers over the next few days.  At this time, if someone has received a drug-coated stent and suffered a heart attack, stroke or serious blood clot over six months later, they should request a free consultation to determine if there may be potential claims for these injuries which may have been prevented with the use of cheaper older bare-metal stents.

Our Plavix lawyers are currently investigating claims for users who have taken the blood thinner and suffered one of the following injuries:

• Heart Attack (with no prior heart attack within one year)
• Stroke (with no prior stroke within one year)
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Hemorrhage or Internal Bleeding
• Ulcers or aggravation of a previously healed ulcer
• Death

>>INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects

Anyone who is taking Plavix currently should not stop taking the medication without consulting with their doctors.  Risks of stopping Plavix without medical management could result in serious harm, including death.

>>CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FREE PLAVIX CLAIM EVALUATION