Oxbryta entered the market as a game-changing medication for sickle cell disease, but clinical data has since revealed several troubling patterns. Serious health complications occurred more frequently in patients taking the medication than those receiving a placebo—including vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), the very condition Oxbryta was designed to prevent. Countless patients and families have been left struggling with worsened symptoms and, in some cases, tragic deaths that could have been prevented. The experienced Oxbryta injury attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC are prepared to assist if you or a loved one were harmed by this medication.
The Link Between Oxbryta and the Risk of Vaso-Occlusive Crises
VOCs occur when sickle-shaped red blood cells block small blood vessels throughout your body, cutting off vital blood flow to organs and tissues. Instead of reducing these dangerous episodes, clinical trials revealed that Oxbryta actually made them more likely to occur.
The clinical data was so concerning that Pfizer voluntarily recalled Oxbryta worldwide in September 2024, acknowledging that the medication’s risks far outweighed any potential benefits. This decision came after several deaths occurred among participants who took the medication in clinical trials.
VOCs can trigger a cascade of serious medical complications that threaten your long-term health and quality of life. Acute chest syndrome, the leading cause of death in sickle cell patients, becomes more probable when VOCs increase. You may also face higher risks of blood clots, tissue death in bones and organs, chronic pain that never fully resolves, liver disease, lung complications, and even stroke.
Signs and Symptoms of a Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Recognizing the warning signs of a vaso-occlusive crisis could save your life or prevent serious complications. If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking or after discontinuing Oxbryta, seek immediate medical attention.
Pain from VOCs can affect multiple areas of your body simultaneously, including your back, legs, knees, arms, chest, and abdomen. The symptoms typically develop over hours or days and may include:
- Excruciating bone pain that feels unlike anything you have experienced before
- Chest pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Profound weakness coupled with dangerously low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
- Yellowing of your skin, eyes, or the inside of your mouth
- Signs of organ damage, including stroke symptoms
Seeking Justice After Being Harmed by Oxbryta
If you suffered serious health complications while or after taking Oxbryta, you may be entitled to compensation through legal action. Across the country, lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer on behalf of patients who experienced worsened symptoms, hospitalizations, or other harm after taking this recalled medication.
You may be eligible to pursue a claim if you took Oxbryta and subsequently developed VOCs, suffered organ damage, or experienced other serious complications that required hospitalization. By filing a lawsuit, you can recover compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses directly related to your Oxbryta-induced injuries.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for a Free Consultation
Scientific evidence is linking Oxbryta to a higher risk of VOC. If you developed this harmful condition while taking Oxbryta, you deserve answers about what went wrong and accountability for your suffering. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us at (212) 485-9899 for a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.