Trasylol - Aprotinin Injection

Trasylol — a drug used to decrease blood loss during heart surgery—can double a patient''s risk of kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and death , according to a January 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine .

The Trasylol study: serious drug side effects

The recent Trasylol study was published by Dr. Dennis Mangano and colleagues at the Ischemic Research and Education Foundation in northern California. Researchers found that in a study of over 4,300 patients at 70 centers around the globe, those treated with Trasylol during heart surgery were TWO TIMES more likely to suffer kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and even death, compared to those given generic alternatives or no medication at all.

Trasylol is also linked to a small, but significant, risk of allergic reaction. Information about this Trasylol side effect has been included as a boxed warning on all drug labeling for years. No mention of the other serious Trasylol side effects has ever been included on the drug''s labeling.

Alternatives to Trasylol

According to the study, two generic alternatives to Trasylol— aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid— provide the same benefits as Trasylol, WITHOUT the serious risk of life-threatening Trasylol side effects. These generic Trasylol alternatives are also much less expense.

According to Mangano and colleagues, using one of the generic drugs instead of Trasylol could prevent over 11,000 kidney complications, save over one billion dollars in healthcare, and reduce drug costs by $250 million worldwide.

The researchers estimate that up to 10,000 people are currently on kidney dialysis due to Trasylol side effects.

What is Trasylol?

Trasylol is a proteinase inhibitor that is used during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Trasylol has been used for 13 years in over 60 countries to reduce bleeding during heart surgery . The FDA approved Trasylol in 1993, which has since been administered to over one million people worldwide. Trasylol—whose drug name is aprotinin—is made by Bayer AG .

“Trasylol worse than Vioxx”

Experts are saying the serious side effects associated with Trasylol are worse than the serious drug side effects associated with the infamous painkiller Vioxx. According to Mangano, “the frequency of adverse events we see is FAR GREATER with Trasylol than with Vioxx.” The dangers of Trasylol are also more serious because this drug has been administered for over 13 years.

What does this mean?

“ The study raises serious concerns about the continued use of Trasylol and suggests far less expensive alternatives are available that are equally effective and safe ,” states Mangano and his team of researchers.

He also adds that if a doctor chooses to use Trasylol , given the recent discovery of its serious drug side effects, his or her actions are going to be hard to defend if the patient develops kidney failure or another serious complication.

This unequivocal statement indicates that experts believe Trasylol is not safe for consumer use.

Have you been injured by Trasylol?

If you or a loved one has developed serious Trasylol side effects following heart surgery, you may wish to contact a qualified attorney. You may be eligible to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Please contact us today to speak with an experienced Trasylol attorney who can determine the best way to handle your case.

Defective Drugs Breaking News

"Heart Surgery Drug Risks Confirmed"

The heart surgery drug, Trasylol, increases the risk of death and kidney damage in patients, two new studies have confirmed.

Trasylol (aprotinin) is given to patien...

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"FDA Suspends Sale of Trasylol Because of Death Risk"

Sales of the heart surgery drug Trasylol are being suspended as concerns continue to mount over the increased risk of death, the Food and Drug Administration announced Monday...

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"FDA Warning Doctors of Trasylol Risks"

Bayer AG announced yesterday that it was halting a clinical trial of its heart surgery drug Trasylol because of evidence of an increased risk of death from hemorrhaging.

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Related Resources

Trasylol - The Official Site of Trasylol Aprotinin Injection by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation

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