GRANUFLO SIDE EFFECTS ENDANGER THE LIVES OF DIALYSIS PATIENTS

 

Hemodialysis treatment can be an efficient way to replace loss of function in the kidneys; however it can also cause a number of side effects, such as low blood pressure, muscle cramps, itching, sleep problems, anemia, bone diseases and high blood pressure.   Patients could also suffer from pericarditis, high potassium levels, stiffness and fluid in joints and depression.   Many of these side effects are a result of the loss of electrolytes during the dialysis process.  One treatment which is effective at reducing the side effects caused by loss of electrolytes is the use of Granulfo, a drug originally seen as a safe treatment option due to its lack of volatile chemicals. 

Unfortunately, GranuFlo also has some very dangerous side effects of its own, and was recalled in March of 2012 because it contains more of a substance which converts into bicarbonate in the human body.  This additional bicarbonate can lead to heart problems and cause side effects including death, heart attack, low blood pressure, low potassium in the blood, low levels of oxygen in the blood, excessive carbon dioxide in the blood and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

In the early 2000’s, GranuFlo was seen as the safest dialysate on the market.  However, increased use of GranuFlo and its sister product, NaturaLyte, led to a rise in the number of cardiac arrest complaints by patients who were treated with its usage in early 2012.   At that time, the drug was deemed unsafe for human consumption due to the increased amounts of bicarbonate in the body. In February of 2013, a widow filed a lawsuit in Alabama Northern District Court alleging her husband suffered severe injuries, including cardiovascular death, after receiving Granulfo.  In March of 2012, the FDA published a Class I recall of NaturaLyte and Granulfo due to the high serum bicarbonate levels, causing metabolic alkalosis, associated with cardiac arrhythmia that had the potential to culminate into cardiac arrest.  In January of 2013, an additional lawsuit was filed in the Louisiana Eastern District Court alleging the plaintiff suffered heart attack and stroke as well as severe pain and suffering, following hemodialysis treatment with Granulfo and/or NaturaLyte.

Fresenius Medical Care, the manufacturers of Granulfo and NaturaLyte, owes the users of these drugs a duty of care.  If you or a family member were exposed to the use of Granulfo or its sister product, NaturaLyte, and suffered a cardiac arrest or developed serious heart complications you may be entitled to compensation.  Inserra & Kelley is proud to offer a free initial evaluation of your case.  Contact us today to start your claim evaluation.

NEBRASKA EXPLORES RAISING MINIMIM INSURANCE RATES

If you have ever been involved in an automobile accident, you understand the importance of properly insuring your vehicle. Vehicle insurance is designed to cover your risk of financial liability or loss if you are involved in an automobile accident causing property damages or personal injuries. Most states require vehicle owners to carry a certain amount of “minimal limits” of liability insurance to cover a driver’s potential negligence in operating a motor vehicle. In Nebraska, the minimal limits currently are $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per accident (when two or more persons are injured in the same accident). Is $25,000.00 a sufficient amount of insurance when you consider the rising costs of medical care?

In January of 2013, Nebraska State Senator Paul Schumacher introduced LB 80, a bill proposing increases to the minimal liability insurance limits required in Nebraska. The bill proposes the minimal liability limits in Nebraska be raised from $25,000.00 to $50,000.00 per person and from $50,000.00 per accident to $100,000.00 per accident (in cases where two or more people are injured in the same accident). This change would pay up to $50,000.00 per injured person in an accident up to $100,000.00 for two or more persons injured in one accident. Consumers would still be able to purchase larger limits, however the mandatory minimum liability limits would be raised.

As a personal injury law firm, we see cases all the time where the minimal limits of $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per accident does not even cover the medical bills incurred in an accident. Inserra & Kelley encourages our clients to carry insurance limits sufficient to protect themselves not only for their own liability, but in cases where you must protect yourself from the negligence of persons who are operating an uninsured motor vehicle. According to the Insurance Research Council, California Department of Insurance, 8% of all Nebraska drivers are operating motor vehicles uninsured. This makes it even more important for drivers to carry sufficient limits. If you are struck by an uninsured driver who has no non-exempt assets, your only option for covering your medical bills is to make a claim under your own underinsured/uninsured coverage. If you have any questions regarding how much coverage you should carry, please contact your insurance agent or give our law firm, Inserra & Kelley a call for a free analysis of your current coverage.

Bicycle Safety Tips: How Not to Get Hit

As we move into the Spring and Summer seasons, it is a great opportunity to remind ourselves the importance of bicycle safety. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to get hit by a car when riding on public streets, and sometimes wearing a helmet and following the law is not enough to protect you from unsafe or careless drivers. Bicyclesafe.com offers us some excellent tips on how not to get hit when riding your bicycle on a public roadway. Remember that defensive driving is not just for motorists, so wear your helmet, avoid busy streets, signal your turns and be aware of your surroundings when riding a bicycle. Have a safe and happy summer!