Here, we discuss a study titled “Clinical characteristics and outcomes with rivaroxaban vs. warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation but underlying native mitral and aortic valve disease participating in the ROCKET AF trial.”, published in European Heart Journal this year by G. Breithardt and a team of German researchers. This study aimed to further evaluate the safety of Xarelto (rivaroxaban), an anticoagulant drug linked to increased risk for major bleeding events.
[Click here to read safety communications regarding Xarelto from the FDA]
The team writes, “Among 14 171 patients, 2003 (14.1%) had [significant vascular disease (SVD)]; they were older and had more comorbidities than patients without SVD,” and “The rate of stroke or systemic embolism with rivaroxaban vs. warfarin was consistent among patients with SVD [2.01 vs. 2.43%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-1.27] and without SVD (1.96 vs. 2.22%; HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.07; interaction P = 0.76).”
However, Breithardt et al. (2014) also found that “rates of major and non-major clinically relevant bleeding with rivaroxaban vs. warfarin were higher in patients with SVD (19.8% rivaroxaban vs. 16.8% warfarin; HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05-1.49) vs. those without (14.2% rivaroxaban vs. 14.1% warfarin; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94-1.10; interaction P = 0.034), even when controlling for risk factors and potential confounders.” (emphasis added)
As such, the team concluded that “Efficacy of rivaroxaban vs. warfarin was similar in patients with and without SVD; however, the observed risk of bleeding was higher with rivaroxaban [or, ‘Xarelto’] in patients with SVD but was the same among those without SVD.”
Due to the fact that Bayer has failed to adequately warn Xarelto users of the risk for bleeding, Xarelto lawsuits are currently being filed in great number. If you or a loved one used Xarelto and suffered a major bleeding event, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation as well.
For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Xarelto lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
justinian@dangerousdrugs.us
Our Xarelto Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Xarelto.