Trasylol

Trasylol (Aprotinin) is a drug used to stop blood loss during heart surgery and reduce the need for a blood transfusion. However, two studies have linked the injection of Trasylol to serious complications including kidney failure, deadly heart problems, and brain disease.

In response to these problems, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Warning and is seeking further information on Trasylol's benefits and risks.

TrasylolThe first study, performed by the Ischemia Research and Education Foundation found the risk of heart failure more than doubled and the risk of kidney failure doubled when Trasylol was used. Additionally, patients who were given Trasylol had a 181% increased risk of stroke.

Subsequent to receiving these findings, the FDA announced that Bayer failed to warn consumers about the increased risks associated with receiving a Trasylol injection.

In addition to heart and kidney problems, Trasylol can also cause severe allergic reactions leading to a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, fast heartbeat, pale skin, tightness in chest, rash, hives, or itching. Other serious side effects include asthma, confusion, numbness in an arm or leg, weakness on one side of the body, severe stomach pain, swelling of the hands, legs or feet, or speech changes. If you experience any of the above side effects see your doctor immediately.

Trasylol, made by Bayer AG, was approved in 1993 and has been used worldwide.

If you have had heart surgery and are experiencing kidney problems or further heart problems, consult with your doctor to determine if Trasylol was used during your surgery. If a family member died while undergoing heart surgery, talk to the doctors in charge of the surgery to find out if Trasylol was used.

Trasylol Articles

[ TRASYLOL ] Jan-16-07: Studies have linked Trasylol (aprotinin injection) to serious complications including kidney failure and heart problems.

Trasylol News

[ TRASYLOL Lawsuits: SPTIMES] AUG-05-07: A number of lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, the maker of Trasylol, alleging the drug company hid the risks of Trasylol from physicians and patients. The company also failed to inform the FDA about the results of a study that called into question Trasylol's safety.

[ TRASYLOL: Orlando Sentinel ] Feb-27-07: American Medical Association has published a study that claims the drug Trasylol was linked to a 48-percent increased chance of dying in the five years after an operation.

[ TRASYLOL: PR Newswire ] Jan-29-07: Bayer HealthCare has decided to end three ongoing clinical studies investigating the safety and efficacy of Trasylol(R).