Trasylol (Aprotinin injection) is given to patients to prevent bleeding, especially during certain surgeries such as heart bypass. It works by promoting blood clotting by inhibiting certain enzymes, thereby preventing bleeding and possibly avoiding the need for blood transfusions.

Trasylol is manufactured by Bayer and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1993.

Worldwide Suspension of Sale of Trasylol

Bayer announced that it is suspending the sale of Trasylol from November 5, 2007, until the proper evaluation of drug trial results. The month before that announcement was made, a Canada-based drug study of cardiac surgery patients was immediately stopped when it has been found that Trasylol seems to cause an increase in health risks as compared with other anti-bleeding drugs used in the study. The risks include kidney failure, stroke, and heart attack.

Trasylol Health Risks – Kidney Failure, Stroke, and Heart Attack

Studies have shown that Trasylol may cause very serious side effects such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

A report in The New England Journal of Medicine on January 26, 2006, suggests that Trasylol may increase the risk for serious side-effects among some patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The reports include cases of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage among CABG patients who received Trasylol. There is also a study published on the January 20, 2006 online edition of Transfusion supporting the claim that Trasylol may cause kidney damage in patients.

Trasylol and Health Risks – Serious Allergic Reaction

Patients who have been given Trasylol previously have a higher chance for anaphylactic reactions with a new dose of Trasylol. Anaphylactic Reaction is a rare but serious allergic reaction that happens suddenly and can be life-threatening.

Trasylol – Advice for Patients

The FDA and Bayer are continuing their studies on the benefits of Trasylol during the time of the suspension of its sale. Those who will undergo CABG or other risk heart surgeries should discuss the benefits and risks involved with their doctors.

If you are scheduled to have heart surgery, tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to any medicines
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Are taking other medicines.  Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare professional.
• Have had heart surgery
• Have had Trasylol in the past
• Have kidney disease

Trasylol – Get Legal Help

Even if most medicines are expected to have side effects, it is the duty of the manufacturer of these medicines to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with the drugs they produce. Failure to give adequate warning to the public and the medical community of the dangers of the drug makes the manufacturer liable for product liability for any injury that may be caused by their product.

If you or your loved one has suffered any of the dangerous symptoms or unusual reaction after taking Trasylol, go to your doctor or the hospital as soon as possible. You may also consider consulting with an experienced attorney in order to get more information regarding your rights and possible remedies for the injuries you suffered because of the use of Trasylol.