How Many Suits Involve GranuFlo and NaturaLyte?
The Federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated cases on GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. By now, there are over 2,089 pending suits filed.
Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) is the manufacturer of the two dialysis solutions, and it runs dialysis centers throughout the US. The New York Times says that more than a third of all dialysis patients in the country are treated there.
Dialysis helps clear the toxic waste out of patients who have non-functioning kidneys. Additionally, it neutralizes the acid build up in the blood.
During dialysis, GranuFlo and NaturaLyte perform different functions, but they are supposed to help neutralize the acid in the body by providing bicarbonate.
Why Are GranuFlo and NaturaLyte Dangerous?
GranuFlo provides more bicarbonate compared to other products. However, FMC sent out a memo to some dialysis centers to warn them the two solutions were linked with higher rates of patients dying from cardiac arrest. The higher levels of bicarbonate in GranuFlo and NaturaLyte increased the risk of heart problems for dialysis patients.
But, FMC did not notify all dialysis centers of the dangers of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. The FDA issued a recall of the products once it discovered FMC was selectively notifying centers of the problem.
The recall came too late; many dialysis patients had already gone through treatments with the defective drugs.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from taking GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, please call (888)841-9623 for more information on your or your loved one’s case options.
Zoll & Kranz, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/health/fda-investigates-fresenius-for-failure-to-warn-of-risk.html