Oxbryta Lawsuit in Atlanta: Seeking Justice
Oxbryta was introduced as a breakthrough treatment for anemia in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It was intended to enhance hemoglobin levels and alleviate the effects of sickle-shaped red blood cells. However, in September 2024, the drug was pulled from the market—both in the U.S. and internationally—following concerning post-clinical trial data.
These trials revealed a disturbing connection between Oxbryta and severe health risks, including an increased likelihood of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), organ damage, and even death.
If you or a loved one suffered serious complications from Oxbryta (Voxelotor), you may have the right to file an Oxbryta lawsuit in Atlanta. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we are dedicated to fighting for those harmed by dangerous medications. Contact our Atlanta law firm today for a free case evaluation.
Oxbryta Recall: Key Facts
Oxbryta, known generically as Voxelotor, was an FDA-approved prescription drug for sickle cell disease. Initially developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and approved in 2019, the medication became part of Pfizer’s portfolio when the company purchased Global Blood Therapeutics in 2022.
Due to reports of severe adverse effects and fatalities, Pfizer issued a voluntary recall of Oxbryta on September 25, 2024. The FDA quickly issued an alert advising healthcare professionals to stop prescribing Oxbryta and encouraging patients to talk with their doctors about stopping Oxbryta and starting a different sickle cell disease treatment.
We’ve created a blog examining Oxbryta’s global recall and what it means for patients in detail.
If you’re in Atlanta and believe you’ve been affected by this recalled medication, don’t wait—reach out to us to learn about your legal options.
Oxbryta Was Designed for Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary condition where red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped. These sickle cells are less efficient and prone to clumping. Sickle cell disease can disrupt blood circulation and can trigger severe health issues.
Potential complications of sickle cell disease include:
- Infections due to a compromised immune system.
- Acute Chest Syndrome: A critical condition where sickled cells block blood flow to the lungs.
- Stroke: Abnormal blood cells increase the risk of clot formation.
- Organ damage and failure from prolonged oxygen deprivation.
- Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), painful blockages in small blood vessels.
- Hemolytic anemia: The body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells.
For years, sickle cell treatment focused mainly on symptom relief through pain management and blood transfusions. Oxbryta, developed by Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), was designed to target the disease at its core—abnormal hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, but in SCD patients, defective hemoglobin leads to misshapen red blood cells. Oxbryta was meant to enhance hemoglobin’s oxygen-binding ability, reduce sickling, improve blood flow, and prevent complications.
Severe Complications of Oxbryta
The most common side effects of Oxbryta include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Some patients also experienced severe allergic reactions.
Oxbryta (Voxelotor) has been linked to severe health complications. Post-marketing trials revealed alarming safety concerns, leading to a global recall of Oxbryta in September 2024. The drug has been associated with increased risks of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), organ damage, and even death.
Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs)
Oxbryta has been linked to an increased frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), also known as sickle cell crises. VOCs occur when abnormally shaped red blood cells obstruct blood flow in small vessels, causing severe pain and reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Common symptoms of a vaso-occlusive crisis include severe pain that can occur in any part of the body, swelling in the hands or feet, fever, and symptoms of severe dehydration.
Patients taking Oxbryta reported more frequent and intense vaso-occlusive episodes compared to those on placebo during clinical trials. These episodes can result in life-threatening conditions such as acute chest syndrome, stroke, and organ failure. The pain caused by VOCs often lasts for hours or days, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life.
Organ Damage and Cardiovascular Problems
Oxbryta has been implicated in causing serious organ damage, including kidney and liver failure. Clinical data revealed that some patients experienced a higher incidence of these complications while on the drug. Additionally, cardiovascular risks like heart attacks and strokes were reported among patients taking Oxbryta.
Increased Risk of Death
Another grave concern surrounding Oxbryta is its association with increased mortality rates. Post-marketing studies indicated that patients taking Oxbryta had a higher risk of death compared to those receiving a placebo.
For example, in the HOPE Kids 2 trial involving 236 children with sickle cell disease, eight deaths were reported among participants taking Oxbryta versus two in the placebo group.
These findings ultimately led regulatory agencies like the FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) to scrutinize the drug further and prompted its voluntary recall by Pfizer in September 2024.
Who Can File an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Atlanta?
If you or a loved one have experienced severe health complications after using Oxbryta, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered harm due to dangerous or defective drugs. To qualify for an Oxbryta lawsuit in Atlanta, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Usage Requirements: You must have taken Oxbryta for at least 30 days.
- Complications After Oxbryta Use:
- Increased Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOC)
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Organ Failure (e.g., kidney or liver failure)
- Death
If you experienced complications or lost a family member, our team can help you pursue justice and compensation. Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel today for a free case evaluation and to discuss your legal options.
Compensation in an Oxbryta Lawsuit
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to Oxbryta, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A lawsuit can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the drug’s adverse effects. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we are dedicated to securing the highest possible compensation for our clients.
Medical Costs
Victims may seek reimbursement for medical expenses, including:
- Emergency Treatment – Sudden, severe reactions such as heart attacks or strokes often require immediate medical attention.
- Hospitalization – Extended hospital stays due to complications like organ failure can result in high medical bills.
- Ongoing Medical Care – Chronic conditions may require dialysis, rehabilitation, or continuous treatment.
- Prescription Medications – Additional prescriptions may be necessary to manage new health conditions caused by Oxbryta.
- Future Medical Expenses – If long-term care or permanent disability arises, future healthcare costs may be included in compensation.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Potential
Side effects from Oxbryta may prevent individuals from working temporarily or permanently. Compensation may cover:
- Lost wages lost due to medical treatment and recovery.
- Future lost income if a disability prevents career advancement.
Pain and Suffering
Oxbryta complications can cause severe physical and emotional distress. Compensation may be awarded for:
- Physical Pain – Increased vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), organ failure, and other painful conditions.
- Emotional Suffering – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD related to the trauma of severe illness.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Inability to participate in hobbies or activities once enjoyed.
Additional Expenses
Other out-of-pocket costs that may be recovered include:
- Travel Expenses – Transportation costs for medical visits.
- Home Modifications – Adjustments like wheelchair ramps or medical equipment.
- Caregiving Costs – Payments for in-home care, whether from a professional or a family member.
Loss of Consortium
Spouses may receive compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy due to their partner’s injuries.
Wrongful Death Compensation
In cases where Oxbryta causes fatal complications, families may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and Burial Costs – Coverage for final arrangements.
- Loss of Financial Support – Compensation for the deceased’s contributions to household income.
- Loss of Companionship – Emotional and familial support lost due to the wrongful death.
Punitive Damages
If the drug manufacturer acted recklessly or was especially negligent, courts may award punitive damages as a form of punishment.
If you believe you have a case, Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Filing an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one has suffered serious health complications due to Oxbryta, you may be eligible for compensation. Legal action might feel overwhelming, but Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to help. Our experienced attorneys in Atlanta will guide you through every step of the process.
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
To build a strong case, you’ll need key evidence, such as:
- Medical Records – Proof of Oxbryta use and related health issues.
- Doctor and Pharmacy Communications – Any warnings or information provided about Oxbryta.
- Reports of Side Effects – Complaints made to healthcare providers or the FDA.
- Expert Testimony – Medical professionals who can explain the risks of Oxbryta.
The sooner you reach out, the better we can preserve crucial evidence for an Oxbryta lawsuit.
Settlement or Trial
Many defective drug cases are settled outside of court. Our skilled attorneys will negotiate aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. If your case goes to trial, Rueb Stoller Daniel will fight for your rights every step of the way.
What Is the Deadline for Oxbryta Lawsuits in Georgia?
A law known as the statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing an Oxbryta lawsuit. This time frame varies by state. You generally have two years after your injury to file a dangerous drug lawsuit in Georgia.
If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your health problems weren’t immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” may apply. This means the two-year clock starts ticking from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury.
It’s important to contact an Oxbryta attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Much Does an Atlanta Oxbryta Lawyer Cost?
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we believe in making legal representation accessible. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our payment is a percentage of your final settlement or lawsuit payout.
Why Choose Rueb Stoller Daniel?
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation. We give your case personalized attention, treating you like a person, not just a file number.
- Experience: Gregory Rueb, Paul Stoller, and Stephen Daniel have over fifty years of combined experience. Our team has represented tens of thousands of clients across the country.
- Results: We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients.
- Reputation: Our law firm has earned a variety of awards and memberships.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we understand the challenges patients with sickle cell disease face and the risks associated with Oxbryta. If you or a loved one has suffered due to Oxbryta, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
You can reach us by calling 1-866-CALL-RSD or filling out our online form. We are available 24/7.