Lawyers Contemplating Trasylol Lawsuit

January 2008 update

The heart surgery drug Trasylol (aprontinin) has been linked to a heightened risk of kidney failure and death. Trasylol is commonly used in patients undergoing heart surgery for blocked coronary arteries and other more complicated cardiovascular complications to control bleeding and induce clotting. An independent study released in January of 2006 suggests that the severity of Trasylol kidney failure risk may be as high as twice the risk of alternative medications, in addition to posing other serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Bayer AG released Trasylol in 1993 following approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Reports of consistent adverse side effects have led researchers to believe that pretrial testing for the drug was insufficient. Dr. Dennis T. Mangano, who facilitated the research on Trasylol kidney failure, studied a sampling of heart surgery patients that was comprised of people taking Trasylol, people taking alternative medications, and those taking no medication at all for controlling blood loss.

People using Trasylol showed a 50 percent increased risk of heart attack, a 109 percent increase in risk of heart failure, and an alarming 181 percent increased risk of experiencing a stroke. Patients taking alternative medications comparatively experienced no signs of increased risk for kidney failure or any of the other adverse side effects.

Many doctors and surgeons involved with cardiovascular healthcare have expressed concern regarding Trasylol kidney failure since the initial release of the drug. However, results of the independent study are only now expected to impact sales and availability of Trasylol. Bayer has responded to the newly reported findings with skepticism, alleging that substantial testing was conducted prior to and during the drugs availability and produced results inconsistent with Dr. Mangano�s findings. Dr. Mangano has commented that he could not in good conscious give Trasylol to any patient knowing that there are safe and effective alternative medications. �The least that should be done is to inform the patient that the risk of going on dialysis is increased 2 to 3 fold and there are alternatives,� the doctor added.

If you or a loved one has experienced Trasylol kidney failure, due to taking the medication, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and suffering. Contact us to get in touch with a Trasylol attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and maximize your claims.

Bayer Suspends Marketing of Trasylol Suspended

Bayer Pharmaceuticals has suspended the marketing of Trasylol (aprotinin) which is used to reduce perioperative blood loss during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Preliminary results of a Canadian study indicate that while patients given Trasylol experience fewer serious bleeding events, they may also have a greater risk of death than patients taking either of two other antifibrinolytic drugs.

Sales of Trasylol will be suspended until FDA can conduct a thorough analysis of the study and gain a better understanding of the risks and benefits of the drug. Because there are few treatment options for patients at risk for excessive bleeding during cardiac surgery, FDA is working with Bayer to gradually phase Trasylol out of the marketplace so that it doesn't cause shortages of other drugs used for this purpose.

FDA is also exploring ways that physicians may continue to have access to Trasylol in specific cases where the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks.