GranuFlo and Naturalyte
***UPDATE: Please note that Riddle & Brantley is no longer accepting these cases.
GranuFlo – What’s the Problem?
Cardiac Arrest with Dialysis?
Riddle & Brantley is actively pursuing claims against the maker of Granuflo and Naturalyte on behalf of victims experiencing cardiovascular injuries caused by the drugs. These bad drugs have been associated with an increase in death, sudden cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest, heart attack, and other cardiovascular injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered cardiac arrest during or shortly after dialysis treatment, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, contact Riddle & Brantley or call toll-free (800) 525-7111.
What You Should Know
On March 29, 2012, the FDA issued a Class I recall on dialysis products GranuFlo and Naturalyte, indicating that these concentrates can cause serious adverse health consequences or death. According to the FDA, GranuFlo and Naturalyte, which are used during hemodialysis procedures in patients with acute or chronic renal failure, can put patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. It has been alleged that the manufacturer, Fresenius Medical Care, knew about the cardiac arrest risk, yet failed to immediately warn the dialysis centers which were using its products, leading to the Naturalyte & GranuFlo recalls.
GranuFlo – What’s the Problem?
During hemodialysis, a machine filters waste, extra salt and water from the patient’s blood when their kidneys are no longer healthy enough to do this on their own. A necessary part of this process involves neutralizing acid in the blood by supplying the patient with an alkaline substance known as bicarbonate – an overdose of which has been linked to heart problems. While many dialysis concentrates contain an ingredient which the patient’s tissue and liver will turn into bicarbonate, GranuFlo contains more of this ingredient than similar rival products, making appropriate prescription essential. Reports have suggested that physicians have not been accounting for the additional bicarbonate from GranuFlo when determining how much of the substance should be administered separately, leaving patients susceptible to heart problems.
FDA on GranuFlo
According to the FDA, high serum bicarbonate levels contribute to metabolic condition known as metabolic alkalosis, which can put the patient at risk for the following conditions:
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Low blood oxygen pressure
- Low potassium levels in the blood
- High concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood
If these conditions are not properly treated, serious adverse events, including cardiac arrest and death, may occur.
Get Experienced Representation – Call Us Today
If you or a loved one suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during or shortly after dialysis, you may be able to file a lawsuit to collect compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and other damages resulting from the injury.
Our law firm is available to assist clients throughout North Carolina, with offices in Goldsboro, Kinston, Raleigh, and Jacksonville. As one of the largest injury firms in North Carolina, we have the resources and knowledge that allows us to develop the strongest possible case for your situation.
For a free consultation with an experienced pharmaceutical litigation and dangerous drug attorney, contact us at (800) 525-7111, or complete the free case evaluation form at the top of this page. We can visit you at home, in the hospital, or anywhere else you are most comfortable.