Oxbryta Lawsuit in Phoenix: Advocating for Victims of Dangerous Drugs
Introduced as a treatment for anemia in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Oxbryta was meant to enhance hemoglobin levels and prevent complications. However, in September 2024, the drug was recalled in the U.S. and worldwide after post-market studies uncovered serious health risks.
Reports revealed that Oxbryta was associated with increased cases of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), severe organ damage, and fatalities.
If you or a loved one took Oxbryta (Voxelotor) and suffered severe complications, you may qualify for an Oxbryta lawsuit in Phoenix. Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to help hold Pfizer accountable. Call our law firm in Phoenix, AZ today for a free consultation.
Oxbryta Recall: What You Need to Know
Oxbryta, also called Voxelotor, was designed to help manage sickle cell disease by improving hemoglobin levels. It was developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and received FDA approval in 2019.
Pfizer acquired Global Blood Therapeutics in 2022. Due to alarming reports of adverse effects and fatalities, Pfizer issued a voluntary recall of Oxbryta on September 25, 2024.
You can learn more about Oxbryta’s global recall and what it means for patients by reading our blog. If you believe you’ve been affected by this recalled medication, don’t wait—reach out to our Phoenix Oxbryta lawyers for a free case review.
Oxbryta’s Role in Sickle Cell Disease Therapy
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. These deformed cells are inflexible and sticky, leading to blood flow blockages and depriving tissues of oxygen.
Sickle cell disease can cause a variety of severe complications, including:
- Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Acute Chest Syndrome: A critical condition where blocked blood flow affects the lungs.
- Stroke: Sickled cells can create dangerous clots.
- Organ damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
- Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs): Painful episodes caused by blocked circulation.
- Hemolytic anemia: Insufficient healthy red blood cells lead to extreme fatigue and difficulty breathing.
Traditional treatments for sickle cell disease have primarily focused on symptom management through blood transfusions and pain relief. Oxbryta, developed by Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), was designed to tackle the root cause—abnormal hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, but in SCD patients, defective hemoglobin causes red blood cells to sickle. Oxbryta aimed to increase hemoglobin’s oxygen-binding efficiency, reduce sickling, improve circulation, and minimize complications.
Oxbryta Side Effects and Serious Complications
Common side effects of Oxbryta include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Additionally, some individuals have experienced serious allergic reactions.
Due to reports of severe complications, Oxbryta was recalled. Lawsuits against Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) and Pfizer allege that the companies failed to sufficiently warn sickle cell patients about the risks associated with the drug.
Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOC)
Patients taking Oxbryta have reported experiencing vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) more frequently. Also known as sickle cell crises, these events occur when sickled red blood cells obstruct small blood vessels, restricting oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. This can lead to extreme pain and long-term health issues.
Vaso-occlusive crises typically cause severe pain in the abdomen, bones, joints, or lungs. These painful episodes may last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Common signs of a vaso-occlusive crisis include intense pain, swelling in the hands or feet, fever, and symptoms of severe dehydration.
In addition to pain, repeated VOCs can result in life-threatening complications. Complications associated with sickle cell crises include:
- Acute chest syndrome
- Stroke
- Organ failure, such as kidney failure
- Pulmonary embolism
Severe Health Risks and Death
Oxbryta has been linked to dangerous health complications and even death. The drug has been associated with an increased risk of:
- Organ damage, including liver and kidney failure
- Heart attack and stroke
In studies conducted after the drug entered the market, researchers found a higher number of deaths among patients taking Oxbryta than those in the placebo group. 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.
Who Can File an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Phoenix?
If you or a loved one have experienced severe health complications after using Oxbryta, you may be eligible for compensation. 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 Phoenix, 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.
What Compensation Can You Claim in an Oxbryta Lawsuit?
If you or someone you love has suffered from serious side effects caused by Oxbryta, you may be eligible for financial compensation. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we fight to ensure our clients receive the justice and support they deserve.
Medical Bills
Victims may recover compensation for medical costs related to Oxbryta complications, including:
- Emergency treatment for life-threatening complications
- Hospital bills
- Ongoing medical care for chronic conditions
- Prescription medications
- Future medical expenses
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
If you’re unable to work because of adverse effects from Oxbryta, you may qualify for compensation covering:
- Lost wages during treatment and recovery.
- Future earnings lost due to a long-term disability.
Additional Economic Damages
Victims can recover money for various expenses such as:
- Travel Costs – Transportation expenses for medical visits.
- Home Modifications – Adjustments like wheelchair ramps or medical equipment.
- Caregiving Expenses – Costs for in-home care, whether from a professional or a family member.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering may include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Diminished quality of life due to permanent injuries or disabilities.
Non-economic damages are more challenging to put a value on. Testimony from the victim and medical experts often plays a key role in determining pain and suffering damages.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you lost a family member because of Oxbryta, you may be able to file a wrongful death case. Compensation for wrongful death may include:
- Funeral and Burial Costs
- Loss of Financial Support
- Loss of Companionship
Punitive Damages
If the drug manufacturer committed serious negligence or misconduct, courts may award additional money to victims. These punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoing.
How to File an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Phoenix, AZ
If Oxbryta has caused serious health issues for you or a loved one, you may have legal options. Filing a lawsuit might seem challenging, but the attorneys at Rueb Stoller Daniel are here to support Houston residents through the process.
Building Your Case With Evidence
Our team will gather the necessary evidence for an Oxbryta lawsuit. This includes:
- Medical Records – Proof of Oxbryta use and complications.
- Communications from Doctors or Pharmacies – Information given about the drug’s risks.
- Side Effect Reports – Complaints filed with healthcare providers or the FDA.
- Expert Testimony – Medical professionals who can explain the dangers of Oxbryta.
The sooner you begin, the better we can strengthen your case. Reach out today.
Reaching a Settlement or Going to Court
Many claims are settled before trial, but if necessary, we are prepared to take your Oxbryta case to court. Our dedicated Phoenix attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Deadline for Oxbryta Lawsuits in Arizona
In Arizona, you usually have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit for dangerous medications like Oxbryta. This is called the statute of limitations for product liability cases.
However, there are some exceptions:
- If your health problems did not show up right away, you have two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered your injury to file a lawsuit.
- Arizona law also limits lawsuits to 12 years from the date the product was sold, unless the case is based on manufacturer negligence rather than strict liability.
If this sounds complicated, don’t worry. The key takeaway is that you should contact an Oxbryta lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and avoid missing important deadlines.
How Much Does a Phoenix Oxbryta Lawyer Cost?
When you work with Rueb Stoller Daniel, you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. Our Oxbryta lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our payment comes as a percentage of your final settlement or judgment.
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.
Reach Out for a Free Case Review
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.