Xarelto Using Celebrities to Market Drugs

 Posted on July 21, 2016 in Product Liability

Amid lawsuit claims against Bayer and Jannsen Pharmaceuticals and concerns over the accuracy of clinical trials, company stocks have declined. In an effort to improve stocks (and to possibly improve image), the companies have started using celebrity marketing. But does this really divert attention away from the real risks? Sadly, it very well may.

About the Commercial

NBA player Chris Bosh, NASCAR driver Brian Vickers, golfing legend Arnold Palmer, and Saturday Night Live alumnus Kevin Nealon are all working with Xarelto to promote its use and efficacy in treating pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, and stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. Each celebrity allegedly uses the drug as an alternative to other anticoagulants. One even reportedly switched to Xarelto after using Warfarin, which has both blood testing and dietary restrictions.

The Concern Over Celebrity Marketing for Xarelto

Celebrities have a big influence on the decisions Americans make. As such, many companies offer incentives to celebrities willing to use and try their products. Others market them, even if they have never had any direct contact with the product. Still others, like the four celebrities using Xarelto, have and do use the product and choose to endorse it (usually as a paid gig).

In some cases, this type of marketing is persuasive but relatively devoid of risk. Not so in the case of the Xarelto marketing. Thousands of cases are pending against the company, and there are a number of concerns regarding inaccurate clinical trials and unlisted or undisclosed side effects, namely the risk of uncontrolled and irreversible bleeding. And that could mean big trouble if the Xarelto marketing tactics are successful in increasing the use of their drugs.

Still No Reversal Agent for Xarelto

Most anticoagulants carry an increased risk of severe bleeding. However, most have a method that may stop the bleeding. Patients taking Warfarin, for example, can receive prothrombin complex concentrates or vitamin K1, while those taking Praxada can sometimes be helped through emergency dialysis. But for Xarelto, there is no reversal method.

Recently, a small San Francisco biotech firm announced that they may have found a reversal agent, but there is still no indication as to if or when this drug may receive FDA approval. Until it (or another viable option is found), people taking Xarelto are being placed at an unnecessary risk for severe or fatal injury.

Filing a Defective Drug Claim

The information regarding the risks of Xarelto has not always been known. As a result, many individuals suffered severe injury and death because of the drug. If this happened to you or someone you love, you have a right to pursue compensation through a defective product claim. Contact an experienced Kane County personal injury attorney for assistance. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/02/21/nascars-brian-vickers-returns-to-racing-in-daytona-500-after-fighting-life.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/bayer-xarelto-idUSL8N13Y14K20151209

http://lifeinthefastlane.com/ccc/warfarin-reversal/