Trasylol (Aprotinin) Lawyers

Trasylol (aprotinin) is administered by injection during complex operations, such as heart and liver surgery, to reduce bleeding. It does so by slowing down a process known as fibrinolysis, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Its use is intended to diminish the need for blood transfusions and organ damage due to low blood pressure (hypotension) resulting from considerable blood loss.

In a 2004 study, it was confirmed that in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the use of aprotinin decreased the need for transfusions by 39 percent. A significant decrease in blood transfusion requirements was also confirmed in orthopedic surgery. In fact in overall cardiac surgery in which marked blood loss is expected, aprotinin significantly reduced bleeding, deaths, and the duration of hospital stays.

In liver transplants on the other hand, initial reports of the beneficial use of aprotinin became overshadowed by concerns over its toxicity. A 2006 study then showed that the use of aprotinin increased the risk of acute renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and encephalopathy (a group of brain diseases).

In September of the same year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cited Bayer A.G., the manufacturer of Trasylol, for not revealing during testimony a study that showed that aprotinin carried greater risks than other anti-fibrinolytics. In October, the FDA followed with a warning that the drug may have serious cardiovascular and kidney toxicity.

After an October 25, 2007 FDA statement that compared to other antifibrinolytic drugs, aprotinin may have a higher risk of death, and a Canadian study showing that the drug increased the risk of death when used to prevent bleeding during heart surgery, Bayer announced it was withdrawing aprotinin from the market.

If you or a loved one was administered Trasylol as part of a medical procedure, Bayer's announcement is likely of no consolation. If you are concerned about risks or side effects associated with this drug, you should consult with your physician. But you may also wish to consider contacting a pharmaceutical injury attorney.

You may be able to join as a plaintiff in an ongoing class action suit or be otherwise entitled to compensation for your injuries. Be aware, however, that class actions have deadlines by which you may join the suit and that, almost assuredly, there are statutes of limitations in your state by which you can file an individual pharmaceutical injury lawsuit.