If you’ve taken Oxbryta (voxelotor), or your loved one is on this medication, and you’ve experienced serious health complications, contacting a lawyer should be your next step. Oxbryta side effects can result in the inability to work and costly medical care in the long term. The risks include developing vaso-occlusive crisis (sickle cell crisis), heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. For some people, these conditions could prove deadly.
As product liability attorneys with decades of experience in Chicago, we’ve witnessed numerous drug companies attempt to downplay or conceal serious side effects like these, putting profits before people and sweeping the harm that they cause under the rug. Oxbryta is no exception. Pfizer’s negligence demands legal action.
Free case evaluations are available to see if you’re eligible for a claim. Call 312-600-0000.
What Is Oxbryta, and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Oxbryta (voxelotor) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the agency’s Accelerated Approval Pathway in 2019 to help people with sickle cell disease by preventing red blood cells from binding together to form the sickle shape. Global Blood Therapeutics (now part of Pfizer) marketed this drug as a game-changer for sickle cell patients, and for some patients, it’s been helpful. Unfortunately, they did not disclose the serious risks associated with taking the medication, and experts say the drug may do more harm than good. Here’s what they didn’t put in bold letters on the package: some patients have experienced serious – and even fatal – side effects after using Oxbryta.
Although the FDA issued a warning about the risks on September 26, 2024, and Pfizer voluntarily recalled Oxbryta, their actions were too little too late for thousands of patients. Recalling their dangerous medication does not erase the damages that have been done, and it doesn’t absolve them from liability, either.
Oxbryta Side Effects Pfizer Wants You to Ignore
As more information about Oxbryta’s side effects comes to light, it’s clear why so many people throughout the United States are filing Oxbryta lawsuits. While the pharmaceutical giant and their attorneys attempt to avoid liability, patients are left suffering from serious complications caused by this unreasonably dangerous product. These aren’t just mild issues, and these aren’t rare cases. They’re severe health issues that are affecting thousands of patients.
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis (VOC)
Researchers have reported a higher rate of vaso-occlusive crisis among patients on Oxbryta compare to those taking a placebo. These people are experiencing:
- Severe pain episodes
- Extended hospital stays
- Increased frequency of crises
- Complications requiring blood transfusions
Strokes
An alarming number of Oxbryta patients are also presenting with medication-related strokes. They are experiencing:
- Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes
- Mini-strokes (TIAs)
- Permanent neurological damage
- Cognitive impairment
Catastrophic Organ Failure
Oxbryta’s possible impact on organ function primarily involves key systems like the kidneys and liver, which play a critical role in filtering waste and maintaining overall health. While the drug is designed to improve oxygen delivery by reducing sickled red blood cells, some patients may experience complications that affect these vital organs.
- Liver failure
- Kidney shutdown
- Respiratory system collapse
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
Fatal Complications
Sadly, many families have lost loved ones because of Oxbryta side effects. These deaths are typically related to:
- Sudden cardiac events
- Massive strokes
- Catastrophic organ failure
- Severe vaso-occlusive complications
If you or your loved one experienced severe health issues after taking Oxbryta, it’s time to fight back. You deserve attorneys who aren’t afraid to go head-to-head with big pharma. Ankin Law is here to hold Pfizer accountable.
Should You Call a Lawyer?
Not all Oxbryta side effects constitute a lawsuit. If you’re suffering from minor reactions that you were warned about, like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue, you probably don’t have a case. If you’ve experienced severe side effects from this medication, however, you need to call a lawyer.
What Is Considered a “Serious Oxbryta Side Effect”?
A serious side effect is a health complication caused by Oxbryta that results in:
- Hospitalization or ongoing medical care
- The inability to work or the need to reduce your work hours
- Significant medical expenses
If you’re not sure whether your health complications were caused by Oxbryta, talking to an experienced attorney who has updated information and the most current investigative reports is a good idea.
Why Should You Call a Lawyer for Oxbryta Complications?
Injury cases against big pharma are not cases victims should pursue on their own. These corporations have entire teams of experienced attorneys working to defend product liability claims, and they’re soaking up blood money to do it. They aren’t concerned about the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, or continue to experience, because of their product. They’re out to protect Pfizer’s bottom line.
If you’re going to file a lawsuit against a massive corporation like Pfizer, you’re going to need a legal team who can level the playing field. You need a firm who has gone up against negligent drug manufacturers and won — someone who knows how these companies operate, the tactics they use to minimize claims or deny liability, and most importantly, how to beat them at their own game. The law firm you choose should have a powerful network of resources to prove Pfizer was negligent, and the relentless dedication to win.
What Happens When You Call a Lawyer About Your Side Effects?
When you call Ankin Law about your side effects and the possibility of filing a lawsuit against Pfizer, you’ll be connected with an intake specialist who has been trained to recognize the potential for legal recourse in situations like yours. During the call, you’ll be asked a series of questions to determine whether you should speak with an Oxbryta lawyer. We recommend that you have information handy about your medical history, when you took the medication, and the complications you experienced. Generally, to qualify for a lawsuit, you must have taken Oxbryta for 30 days or more sometime between 2018 and the present, and suffered serious side effects that resulted in medical expenses or lost wages.
If your family member passed away after using this medication, and their health complications can be linked to Oxbryta, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold Pfizer accountable. To sue the drug company for wrongful death, you’ll need to prove there was a link between Oxbryta and your loved one’s passing.
If our intake specialist determines that you may have a valid case against Pfizer, we’ll set up a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney. The lawyer will gather information about your situation and provide you with a case evaluation during this time. If you have access to your medical records, we ask that you provide those at your consultation. If you don’t have them available, our team can assist you with obtaining them so we can learn more about the complications you’ve experienced because of Oxbryta.
After careful review, your attorney will discuss your legal rights with you so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Options might include filing a wrongful death claim, participating in a mass tort action, or joining a class action lawsuit.
Why Take Legal Action for Oxbryta Side Effects?
If you’ve suffered serious side effects from Oxbryta, filing a lawsuit isn’t just about seeking compensation—it’s about demanding accountability from a pharmaceutical giant that put profits over patient safety. A successful lawsuit will enable you to:
Recover Full Compensation for Your Losses
Medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional toll of unexpected health complications can be overwhelming. A lawsuit can help you recover damages for your suffering so you’re not left paying the price for a drug company’s negligence.
Hold Big Pharma Accountable
Pfizer has a responsibility to put your safety first. When they failed to warn you about serious risks, they jeopardized your well-being. They must be held legally responsible. Taking action forces them to answer for the harm caused to you, and it prevents them from continuing to prioritize their own profits over people’s lives.
Protect Others From Harm
Pharmaceutical companies won’t change unless they’re forced to change. By stepping forward and taking legal action, you’re fighting for justice for yourself, and you’re also helping to prevent others from suffering similar injuries. Legal action can push for stronger warnings, better research, and greater transparency in the future.Don’t let Pfizer get away with they’ve caused you and your family. If Oxbryta caused you harm, now is the time to take action. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you wait too long to take legal action, you’ll lose your right to recover compensation through the courts. Call Ankin Law in Chicago, and let’s get started.