Blood clots help prevent excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. However, these clots can become dangerous when they form inappropriately or fail to dissolve naturally, potentially blocking blood flow to vital organs. Many medications carry blood clot risks as potential side effects, including Oxbryta, a treatment for sickle cell disease. An Oxbryta injury lawyer can assist if you suffered blood clots or other harm from use of the medication.
What Is Oxbryta and How Does It Work?
Oxbryta is a prescription medication used to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years and older. Sickle cell disease occurs when patients have an abnormal form of hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to change from their normal disc shape into a sickle or crescent shape
This sickling happens when abnormal hemoglobin releases oxygen and forms rigid chains, making cells change shape and break down more quickly. These sickled cells can block blood vessels and lead to fewer functioning red blood cells capable of carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Voxelotor, the active ingredient in Oxbryta, works by improving hemoglobin’s ability to retain oxygen. This prevents the formation of these problematic chains. As a result, red blood cells maintain their normal shape and flexibility, extending their lifespan in the bloodstream.
The Risk of Blood Clots When Taking Oxbryta
Blood clots are a documented side effect of Oxbryta, and the medication’s packaging warns of this risk. If you are taking this medication, you should remain vigilant for warning signs that could indicate a dangerous blood clot has formed. These signs include sudden chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, and pain, swelling, or unusual warmth in your legs.
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Oxbryta, seek immediate medical attention. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism (when clots travel to the lungs) or deep vein thrombosis, a condition where clots form in the deep veins, typically in the legs. These complications can be fatal, so go to the hospital as soon as possible.
Other Health Risks Associated with Oxbryta
Drug manufacturers are required to disclose all known health risks when bringing a medication to market. Blood clots are listed as a side effect of Oxbryta, but Pfizer failed to disclose one very serious complication: an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises. These painful and potentially life-threatening events occur when sickled cells block blood flow to tissues and organs.
In September 2024, Pfizer issued a global recall of Oxbryta after data revealed these serious safety risks. Studies found that patients taking the medication experienced higher rates of adverse events compared to those on placebos. Some patients suffered severe complications including organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, and death. Affected patients and their families are now filing lawsuits against Pfizer for failing to fully disclose Oxbryta’s dangers.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for a Free Consultation
If you have suffered from a serious health crisis while taking Oxbryta, you deserve justice—and Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help. We focus on dangerous drug litigation nationwide, representing patients whose health has been compromised by pharmaceutical products. We’re not intimidated by large drug manufacturers and will take on these large corporations to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 for a confidential consultation and learn more about your path forward.