Trasylol heart surgery injection problems

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted February 7, 2007

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Trasylol (also known as aprotinin) is a heart bypass surgery injection which is given to reduce blood loss during the procedure.  Last year the aprotinin injection was linked to an increased risk of kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.  A recent study adds to the concerns surrounding the injection, finding that it may increase the risk of death by 50% over the five years after the heart bypass surgery.

This month a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that more than one out of every five patients who received the Trasylol heart surgery injection died within five years.  The fatality rate was two-thirds higher than for surgery patients who were not given drugs to reduce bleeding.

Experts have estimated that replacing the aprotinin injection with cheaper and safer alternatives could prevent as many as 10,000 deaths worldwide each year.  Since 1985, over 4 million patients have been given the Trasylol heart surgery injection.  In recent years it has been used more frequently following heavy marketing directed to surgeons.  Over 600,000 patients received the injection in 2005 alone.

Recently Trasylol side effects have generated great concern within the medical community.  In January 2006 a study was published linking the heart bypass surgery injection to an increased risk of kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.  As a result, sales dropped nearly 37% in 2006.

Experts have questioned whether the medication should have been approved by the FDA and what steps need to be taken to protect patients.  In September 2006, an FDA advisory panel decided against a Trasylol recall, allowing the aprotinin injection to remain on the market.  In December 2006, the FDA announced that there would be a stronger Trasylol warning attached to the injection and that use should limited to only certain situations.

>>RECENT POST (12/18/2006): Trasylol injection warning update

Trasylol injections cost up to $1,500 for each patient, compared with safer alternatives which cost between $11 and $44.  According to the study published this month, the cheaper alternatives did not carry the increased risk of death over the five years after the surgery.

TRASYLOL APROTININ LAWSUITS

Trasylol lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who suffered injuries as a side effect of the heart bypass surgery injection.  Lawsuits are being reviewed for heart patients who suffered kidney failure, heart attack, stroke or death.

Many of the patients who suffered injuries were not aware that this medication may have caused their problems.  During most surgeries, the patient is not told of the name of the drug they receive and may not realize they were given an aprotinin injection.

The Trasylol lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are reviewing potential lawsuits nationwide, and can determine if an injection given during heart surgery may have caused a subsequent kidney failure, heart attack, stroke or death.  If you, a friend or family member experienced any of these problems following heart surgery, request a free consultation and claim evaluation to determine if you may have a case.  There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is secured.  Click here for a free case evaluation.

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