BELLEVILLE – A Pennsylvania woman is suing several pharmaceutical companies, alleging personal injuries and economic damages that she says resulted from taking a prescription drug.
Elaine Bell filed a lawsuit Nov. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Ortho, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Pharma AG, Bayer Corporation, Bayer Healthcare, Bayer Healthcare AG and Bayer AG.
According to the complaint, the defendants marketed, promoted, distributed and sold Xarelto as a safe way to reduce the risk of stroke and embolisms. Because of misrepresentations and falsehoods about the drug, the suit says, Bell suffered serious and dangerous side effects, including life-threatening bleeding, physical pain and mental anguish, diminished enjoyment of life, medical expenses and loss of earnings.
The suit alleges product liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, express warranty and implied warranty.
A spokesperson for Janssen Pharmaceuticals issued the following statement regarding Xarelto:
"Xarelto is an important anticoagulant used to treat and reduce the risk of life-threatening blood clots. After more than three years on the U.S. market, and more than 3 million patients prescribed in the U.S. to date, the benefit-risk profile of Xarelto remains favorable and consistent with clinical trials. All anticoagulants, or blood thinners, carry the risk of bleeding, and the prescribing information for Xarelto has always warned of these risks. Blood thinners are important and potentially life-saving medicines that should be taken by patients as prescribed and should not be discontinued without a discussion with a physician. We will continue to defend against the claims raised in this litigation."
Bell seeks at least $50,000 from each defendant, court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by attorneys John J. Driscoll and Christopher J. Quinn of The Driscoll Firm in St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-674