Seek Justice with a Oxbryta® Injury Lawyer
When a medication intended to help ends up causing harm, patients and their families are left facing significant challenges, from severe health complications to financial hardship. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand the impact that dangerous drugs like Oxbryta can have on individuals who have sickle cell disease and on their families. If you or a loved one has experienced adverse side effects or harm due to Oxbryta, our team is here to support you in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is Oxbryta?
Oxbryta is a medication used primarily to treat sickle cell disease, a serious genetic condition affecting red blood cells. Approved by the FDA in 2019, Oxbryta was promoted as a breakthrough treatment aimed at improving blood oxygen levels and reducing pain crises in those affected by sickle cell disease. However, in some cases, patients who used Oxbryta have reported unexpected side effects and, in certain instances, serious complications that were not properly disclosed in the drug’s trials, marketing materials, or warning label.
Why Oxbryta is Being Withdrawn
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers regarding the voluntary market withdrawal of Oxbryta (voxelotor) due to significant safety concerns. Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Oxbryta, has ceased distribution of the medication and is discontinuing all active clinical trials and expanded access programs. Healthcare professionals have been advised to immediately stop prescribing Oxbryta, and patients should consult their healthcare provider about transitioning to alternative treatment options.
Despite its initial promise, recent clinical trial data reveal a troubling safety profile for Oxbryta in the treatment of sickle cell disease. In post-marketing trials, Pfizer observed a higher incidence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in patients taking Oxbryta compared to those on a placebo. A vaso-occlusive crisis is a severe pain episode caused by obstructed blood flow from sickled red blood cells. Additionally, mortality rates were higher among patients using Oxbryta than in the placebo group. Two real-world registry studies also indicated an increased rate of vaso-occlusive crises in patients treated with Oxbryta.
Potential Dangers and Side Effects of Oxbryta
While Oxbryta has shown benefits for some individuals, it has also been associated with several adverse effects. Reported side effects and complications linked to Oxbryta may include:
- Hepatic Injury: Liver damage or dysfunction leading to complications in detoxification and metabolism.
- Severe Anemia: Oxbryta’s effect on red blood cells can lead to increased anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.
- Drug Interactions: Oxbryta may interact negatively with other medications, amplifying health risks.
- Other Serious Side Effects: These may include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and further exacerbation of sickle cell symptoms.
If you or a family member has experienced any of these side effects or others following the use of Oxbryta, consult an Oxbryta drug injury attorney. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we are dedicated to standing up against pharmaceutical companies that prioritize profits over patient safety.
Oxbryta and Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a painful complication often experienced by people with sickle cell disease. It occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing pain and other symptoms. If you have experienced the following symptoms while taking Oxbryta, it may indicate a vaso-occlusive crisis and could be linked to complications from the drug:
- Severe Pain: VOC pain often strikes suddenly and intensely, commonly affecting the back, chest, arms, legs, and abdomen. Pain episodes can vary in frequency and may last from a few hours to several days.
- Swelling: Swelling in the hands, feet, and sometimes joints (known as dactylitis) may occur as a result of blocked blood flow, limiting mobility and causing additional discomfort.
- Fever: A high fever during VOC episodes may indicate an inflammatory response or an infection, both of which can escalate complications.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme fatigue is common due to oxygen deprivation in the bloodstream, which may worsen anemia and leave individuals feeling weak and exhausted.
- Paleness or Jaundice: A lack of oxygen and increased breakdown of red blood cells can cause paleness. Some people may develop jaundice, which appears as a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Breathlessness or Chest Pain: Chest pain and shortness of breath are severe symptoms that may signal acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication often associated with VOCs.
- Headache or Dizziness: Oxygen deprivation to the brain can result in frequent headaches, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
- Priapism (in Males): Some males may experience painful, prolonged erections, known as priapism, due to blood flow blockages.
- Vision Changes: Blurry vision or seeing floaters can occur if blood flow to the eyes is compromised.
If you or someone you love has taken Oxbryta and endured a VOC or any of these symptoms, consulting with an experienced drug injury legal team can help determine whether you are eligible for compensation. In some cases, patients report that Oxbryta did not prevent or even exacerbated their VOC symptoms, leading to further pain, distress, and medical expenses. An Oxbryta lawsuit could help you seek compensation for these physical and emotional hardships. Contact our team now to learn more about your legal options and get the support you need.
Why Choose Terry Bryant as Your Oxbryta Injury Lawyer?
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has a long history of advocating for victims harmed by dangerous drugs and negligent corporations. Since 1985, our Houston-based team has fought for hundreds of drug injury victims, holding powerful pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harm they cause. Here’s why clients trust us to represent them:
- Experienced in Drug Injury Cases: We have successfully represented numerous clients harmed by dangerous drugs, helping them secure compensation for their injuries.
- Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our legal team conducts a rigorous investigation, consulting with medical experts and gathering the evidence needed to strengthen your case.
- Personalized, Compassionate Support: We understand the challenges you’re facing and work closely with you to provide the support you need during this difficult time.
- No Fees Unless You Win: We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless you secure a successful recovery.
How an Oxbryta Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve suffered from adverse effects of Oxbryta, pursuing a legal claim can be complex and time-sensitive. Our Oxbryta injury lawyers can help you by:
- Evaluating Your Case: We offer free consultations to help you understand the strength of your case and possible legal options.
- Seeking Compensation: We work diligently to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses you may have incurred.
- Standing Up to Big Pharma: Pharmaceutical companies have substantial legal and financial resources. Our team has the experience and determination to stand up to these profit-driven corporations and advocate for your rights.
Contact Our Houston-Based Oxbryta Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by Oxbryta, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to help. Our compassionate and experienced drug injury attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. With a free consultation, we can review your situation and discuss your legal options. Let us stand with you through this challenging time.
Call now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for your free and confidential consultation.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
