GranuFlo Litigation Update

Certain dialysis products such as GranuFlo and NaturaLyte carry increased risks of serious injury or even death. This increased risk is linked to elevated levels of bicarbonate in the body, a contributing factor in cardiac arrest. Even the FDA has issued a recall of GranuFlo. The FDA warned consumers that the increased sodium bicarbonate levels may contribute to metabolic alkalosis, which is a significant risk factor associated with low blood pressure, hypokalemia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and cardiac arrhythmia, which, if not appropriately treated, may culminate in cardiopulmonary arrest. The FDA added that the serious adverse health consequences associated with GranuFlo may even include death.

So, what is happening in the current lawsuits against the makers of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte? There are at least 300 lawsuits currently pending in dockets across the nation. Plaintiffs in these suits claim that when they were administered GranuFlo, they or their family members suffered sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack or even death. The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL Panel) has ordered that all cases be centralized in one place. With regard to Fresenius products such as GranuFlo, the cases have been consolidated in the District of Massachusetts. Federal District Judge Douglas Woodlock is the judge for all of the cases. An MDL is a similar to a class action in that there are many plaintiffs alleging similar acts and injuries against the same defendants. The difference, however, is that each plaintiff brings his or her case, even though all of the cases may be heard as one.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury that may be related to GranuFlo, please contact Audet & Partners, LLP by calling us toll free at 800.965.1461. To learn more, you can also visit our website dedicated to GranuFlo litigation at http://www.granuflodialysisrisk.com.