As the name suggests, internal bleeding refers to abnormal hemorrhaging that takes place within the body. Though relatively common in the medical field, this condition may result in severe, life-threatening circumstances. Unfortunately, the introduction of Plavix (generic: clopidogrel), a popular medication that assists in the prevention of blood clots, may significantly increase the rate in which patients develop severe bouts of internal bleeding.
If you or a loved one has suffered from internal bleeding after using Plavix, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Plavix Internal Bleeding Lawsuit Overview
Developed by Sanofi Aventis, a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Plavix is intended to assist in the prevention of blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke. The success it has demonstrated thus far, combined with the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDAs) approval, has helped Plavix become one of the most popular anti-platelet medications on the U.S. market.
According to a distinct mechanism of action, Plavix is considered an anti-platelet drug of the ADP antagonist (thienopyridines) category. As an anti-platelet medication, Plavix has the inherent ability to prevent the aggregation of platelets that could potentially inhibit the flow of blood through an artery. In doing so, Plavix irreversibly inhibits a specific protein found on the surface of blood platelets that is responsible for the regulation of blood clots. By preventing specific actions taken by this protein, Plavix may halt the aggregation of platelets and reduce the risk of unnecessary blood clots. Subsequently, Plavix may significantly lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Unfortunately, the pharmacodynamics of Plavix may also be responsible for a variety of debilitating conditions with varying degrees of severity. Subsequently, internal bleeding has recently been associated with the use of Plavix. Because Plavix prohibits the ability of blood to coagulate, blood clots that would typically be beneficial to a patient are nonexistent and the body has no mechanism to stop the bleeding from injuries it has sustained. Therefore, patients who receive treatment from this anti-platelet medication may significantly increase their risk of developing, what professionals are referring to as Plavix internal bleeding.
Internal bleeding is characterized by significant injuries to an artery or vein that allow blood to escape the circulatory system and collect inside one of the body’s cavities. The amount of blood displaced is directly correlated to the amount of damage sustained by an organ and the blood vessels that supplies it. Self repair mechanisms include both the blood clotting system and the ability of blood vessels to go into spasm to decrease blood flow to an injured area. However, Plavix prevents the coagulation of blood, therefore allowing the bleeding to continue. Due to the severe nature of this complication, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Plavix internal bleeding lawsuit.
Side Effects of Internal Bleeding
The symptoms of internal bleeding are directly correlated to the location in which the injury has occurred, how much blood has been displaced, and which structures were affected. Blood outside of the circulatory system is very irritating to surrounding tissues, causing significant pain, inflammation and subsequent symptoms. The following is a comprehensive list of side effects that have been associated with internal bleeding:
- Bleeding from body cavities
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Severe bruising
- Abdominal tenderness
- Rigidity or spasm of the abdominal muscles
- Shock
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Weakness
- Cold sensation throughout the dermis
Internal Bleeding Complications
Similar to the symptoms of internal bleeding, complications are directly correlated to the location in which the injury has occurred, how much blood has been displaced, and which structures were affected. If there is a significant amount of blood displaced in the abdomen, the circulatory system will be unable to transport oxygen to the rest of the body because of the lack of red blood cells. Severe bouts of internal bleeding in the abdomen may ultimately lead to shock, and potentially death.
Internal bleeding in the brain may cause minimal damage if there is only a small amount of blood displaced. However, if enough blood has been hemorrhaged, leading to significant intracranial pressure, brain tissue may be damaged. In the event that enough brain tissue has been damaged, stroke-like symptoms, coma, and death may occur.
Asprin & Plavix Internal Bleeding Study
According to a stroke-prevention study preformed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), patients receiving simultaneous Asprin and Plavix treatment may significantly increase their risk of bleeding to death. The study was an attempt for healthcare officials to determine the safety and effectiveness of Plavix and Asprin joint therapy. The 2003 study tested whether Plavix, in association with Asprin, could prevent recurring strokes in people who had recently suffered strokes in small vessels of the brain.
Out of the 3,000 participants, 6.5% of patients treated with the Plavix-Aspirin combination experienced an adverse bleeding event. Subsequently, 3.3% of those who took Asprin alone developed similar bleeding symptoms. Studies also indicated that simultaneous treatment, with Asprin and Plavix, was responsible for a death rate of 5.8%. Walter Koroshetz, the deputy director of NINDS acknowledged that “the combination does not offer any protection, but does put you at increased risk for bleeding.”
Do I Have a Plavix Internal Bleeding Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Plavix internal bleeding lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from internal bleeding after using Plavix, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.