Litigation For Dialysis-Related Heart Attacks
Evidence Links Dialysis Solution to Cardiac Arrest
According to recent reports, use of the dialysis solution GranuFlo has been linked to a six-fold increase in the risk of cardiac arrest in dialysis patients. Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), which manufactures GranuFlo, reportedly knew about the dangers associated with its product but failed to warn patients and doctors.
Fresenius Medical Care is the largest provider of dialysis treatments and products in the world. In addition to manufacturing dialysis drugs and machines, Fresenius also runs dialysis clinics throughout the United States. Approximately a third of the 400,000 dialysis patients in this country are treated by Fresenius clinics or products.
Federal Investigation into Deadly Dialysis Product
According to the New York Times, "The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether the nation's largest operator of dialysis centers violated federal regulations by failing to inform customers of a potentially lethal risk connected to [GranuFlo]."
An internal memo obtained by the New York Times appears to indicate that FMC knew about the potentially lethal side effects of GranuFlo and failed to warn patients and physicians of the risks associated with the product.
Medical research links GranuFlo to high bicarbonate levels that can cause a variety of health problems including:
- Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Low blood pressure
- Hypokalemia
- Hypoxemia
- Hypercapnia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Death
GranuFlo has not been recalled and continues to be used in dialysis clinics throughout the country. There is evidence that many clinics are unaware of the dangers associated with GranuFlo. The FDA has sent out safety alerts regarding GranuFlo to help spread awareness of this serious risk to dialysis patients.
Experienced Drug and Medical Device Lawyers
The attorneys at Kaiser Gornick LLP specialize in complex litigation involving defective medical devices and dangerous pharmaceuticals. Our lawyers have the legal talent, dedication and resources to successfully litigate many high-profile pharmaceutical liability cases involving dangerous products.
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or other serious side effects related to dialysis, contact our drug and device attorneys online or call us toll free at 800-824-8234 to discuss your case free of charge.
