Trasylol

Trasylol, or an aprotinin injection, is used to minimize blood loss during heart surgery. It is a protein that, when injected into the patient, slows down blood clotting processes, reducing the need for blood transfusions during complicated heart and liver surgeries. When used properly, it can decrease the chances of organ damage likely to result from low blood pressure. The uses of Trasylol, however, far surpass surgical purposes. It is also used in blood transfusions for patients who are undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, slows down multiple intermediaries of inflammation, holds back proinflammatory cytokine release, which reduces complement activation, defective thrombin and plasmin-induced platelets. The stabilization of the platelet membranes and preservation of their functions rounds out the uses of this drug. Bayer Pharmaceuticals manufactured the product for those patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting to block the enzymes that dissolve blood clots.

In January of 2006, a study submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the use of Trasylol during bypass surgery can double the risk of kidney problems, kidney failure, heart attack, renal failure, encephalopathy (brain tissue damage), stroke, and even death. The makers of Trasylol and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed letters that urged physicians using Trasylol in their operations to take cautionary measures through observations of the patients and limited use of the product. Since the FDA and Bayer are currently evaluating reports, major side effect reports are reevaluated and a possible banning of the drug is yet to be determined. For now, Bayer has suspended the marketing of the drugs until data from randomized trials is available. A physician's recommendation to use this drug is only considered in situations that are necessary and outweigh potential risks.

When the FDA issued a warning statement about Trasylol's unanticipated side effects in February of 2006, reactions from different sectors started the drug's demise. Though the FDA's statement did not force physicians to discontinue its use, the drug came under intense scrutiny. Symptoms and possible reactions after using Trasylol include nausea, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), pallor or cyanosis (loss of skin/mucous membrane), urticaria (allergic reaction resulting to red skin welts), rashes, itching, and sudden drops in blood pressure. A different study concludes that Trasylol has caused 11,000 patients worldwide to need kidney dialysis each year. An article released in January 2006 by the New England Journal of Medicine has indicated that the use of Trasylol increases the risk of heart failure by 109 percent, heart attacks by 48 percent, and strokes by 181 percent among more than 4000 patients studied.

Concerns about the possible side effects of Trasylol have led a large number of people to file lawsuits for against the company. Victims should be considered significant evidence cases for the banning of this drug. If you are suffering after a doctor has administered this drug, you are encouraged to seek the guidance of an attorney concerning your specific inquiries and conditions. If you are confident enough to file legal claims, then you should seek the assistance of a qualified professional immediately. Deadlines and decrees of limitations are implemented in certain regions, so victims should file legal claims sooner, rather than later. Some states allow claims to be filed within a time span of four year, but others limit this to one year. On average, states require you to file you product liability claim within two to three years after you notice injuries or side effects, as enforced by the discovery rule.

There are many agencies that are willing to fully support any of your statements regarding Trasylol. They have attorneys and lawyers who can help you find solutions and provide proper guidance relative to your claims. Patients who need a helping hand should contact them immediately.

Legal•Info