Anti-Bleeding Drug Found to be Cause of Death
Two major studies of Bayer’s Trasylol prove that the anti-bleeding drug leaves patients more susceptible to serious side effects and possible death. After the deaths took place during a Canadian drug study, Bayer stopped selling Trasylol. Prior to Bayer’s withdrawal of Trasylol, the product had been available for 14 years.
Trasylol is administered in the surgery room to prevent bleeding during heart surgery, particularly bi-pass surgery.
During two studies, it was discovered that Trasylol increases the risk of death when given to patients undergoing heart surgery.
The first study focused on 10,000 patients undergoing heart surgery between 1996 and 2005. Within 30 days of the surgery, 6.4 percent of the patients who received Trasylol died. Within one year of surgery, 16 percent of patients who received Trasylol died.
When compared to the patients who were given different prescriptions, they found that the risk of death is 2.5 percent higher in patients who received Trasylol.
Bayer funded a second study. About 78,000 patients were studied from 2003 to 2006. The study found that the risk of death from Trasylol was actually 64 percent higher.
Both studies have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
During a meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the effects of Trasylol, the investigating panel discovered that at least 2,000 patients a year die from taking Trasylol.
Bayer did not disclose the results of the study they funded to the FDA panel, claiming that the results were preliminary.
Due to the direct evidence that indicates Trasylol raises the risk of death. It is estimated that Trasylol is responsible for thousands of deaths every month it was in use.
If you or a loved one suffered serious side effects after taking Bayer’s Trasylol during heart surgery, contact a Bayer attorney at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606. An experienced Trasylol lawyer will be able to evaluate if you are eligible to seek compensation.