Generically known as aprotinin, Trasylol is an injectable protein that is administered during complicated surgeries, such as heart or liver surgery, to slow bleeding and reduce the need for blood transfusions. Although it is effective at slowing down the breakdown of blood clots, in 2007, Trasylol was temporarily withdrawn from the U.S. market due to findings that this medication could potentially increase the risk of surgical complications and death.
Trasylol was soon reintroduced to the public. However, less than a year later in May 2008, Trasylol was permanently withdrawn from the market as a result of follow up studies that confirmed its dangers.
FDA approved in 1994, Trasylol was manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. Up until it was pulled from the market, was used in approximately 33 percent of all cardiac bypass surgeries in the U.S. In fact, researchers estimate that about 22,000 lives could have been saved had Trasylol been pulled from the shelves upon the first indications of its dangers.
Trasylol Side Effects
The most severe Trasylol side effects include:
- Blood clots
- Congestive heart failure
- Encephalopathy, a brain disease that causes serious cognitive dysfunction
- Heart attack
- Liver and/or kidney damage
- Liver and/or kidney failure
- Pulmonary embolism, life-threatening blood clots in the lungs
- Severe allergic reactions
- Stroke
Symptoms of such serious Trasylol side effects may include any combination of:
- Asthma or other breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness
- Fainting and/or lightheadedness
- Hives and/or skin rash
- Inflammation of hands, feet or legs
- Irregular heartbeat
- Numbness affecting a particular side of the body
- Severe headache
- Sudden weight gain
- Vision and/or speech impairments
- Vomiting
Help for Injured Patients
If you or a loved one has been injured by Trasylol, contact Gacovino, Lake and Associates for a thorough evaluation of your case. Our defective drug attorneys will investigate the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy.
