OXBRYTA LAWSUIT

Louisiana Oxbryta Class Action Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered serious health complications after taking the medication Oxbryta, you may be entitled to compensation through an Oxbryta lawsuit. Oxbryta, a prescription medication for sickle cell disease, has been linked to unexpected side effects that have left patients dealing with severe medical issues. For many, these side effects were not fully disclosed, raising concerns about whether the manufacturer prioritized profits over patient safety.

At The Greenwald Law Firm, Shreveport personal injury attorney Joey Greenwald is committed to holding negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable for their wrongdoing. With a strong track record of representing clients across Louisiana in complex personal injury and class action cases, he and his legal team are here to help you seek justice.

If Oxbryta has impacted your health or the health of someone you love, don’t wait—call our North Louisiana class action law firm today at (318) 219-7867 to discuss your legal options.

What is Oxbryta?

Oxbryta is the brand name for the prescription sickle cell disease medication voxelotor. Oxbryta was originally approved by the FDA in 2019 to treat sickle cell disease in patients 12 years and older and expanded to patients 4 years and older in 2021.

Designed to improve oxygen delivery in the bloodstream, Oxbryta is marketed as a groundbreaking treatment aimed at reducing complications associated with sickle cell disease, such as anemia and organ damage.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Unlike normal red blood cells, which are round and flexible, sickled red blood cells are rigid and crescent-shaped, making it difficult for them to move smoothly through blood vessels.

This can lead to blockages, reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, and painful episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Sickle cell patients may experience severe complications such as organ damage, stroke, and infections, and often require treatments like blood transfusions to manage their symptoms.

What is Oxbryta Used For?

Oxbryta is primarily used to treat sickle cell disease, a painful hereditary blood disorder. The goal is to alleviate symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, and extreme pain, while potentially preventing long-term complications like organ damage and vaso-occlusive crisis, aka “sickle cell crisis.”

Oxbryta is often prescribed as part of a broader sickle cell disease treatment plan for individuals aged 4 and older.

How Does Oxbryta Work?

Oxbryta works by targeting hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. In patients with sickle cell disease, hemoglobin tends to clump together, causing red blood cells to become stiff, sticky, and crescent-shaped. This abnormal shape limits the cells’ ability to carry oxygen and move freely through blood vessels, leading to anemia, pain, and potential organ damage.

More specifically, Oxbryta is designed to inhibit hemoglobin polymerization, preventing these harmful changes and helping red blood cells maintain a healthier, rounder shape, potentially reducing the complications associated with SCD and improving the overall quality of life for patients.

However, despite its intended benefits, many patients taking Oxbryta have experienced severe side effects, prompting concerns about the drug’s safety.

Oxbryta Mechanism of Action

Oxbryta’s mechanism of action focuses on modifying hemoglobin to prevent the formation of rigid, sickle-shaped red blood cells by binding to hemoglobin and stabilizing it in a way that reduces its tendency to polymerize.

This mechanism is intended to address the underlying cause of complications in sickle cell disease, including anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to vital organs.

Oxbryta Manufacturer

Oxbryta was originally manufactured by Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), a pharmaceutical company that specialized in treatments for blood disorders like sickle cell disease. However, in late 2022, the company was bought by Pfizer, Inc., meaning Pfizer now owns the drug and is responsible for its manufacturing.

Despite marketing Oxbryta as a groundbreaking solution, Pfizer has faced allegations of failing to adequately warn patients and healthcare professionals about the drug’s potentially serious risks.

Is Oxbryta Dangerous?

Since its FDA approval in 2019, Oxbryta (voxelotor) has been linked to serious side effects in sickle cell patients, including severe anemia, liver damage, and cardiovascular issues.

Patients in Louisiana and across the United States have reported experiencing unexpected complications after taking the drug, with some requiring hospitalization and others resulting in fatal outcomes.

In a number of these cases, patients taking Oxbryta and/or their families have claimed that inadequate warnings about these risks left them unprepared for the drug’s potential harm. These reports have sparked growing concerns about whether the manufacturer failed to adequately inform patients and healthcare providers about the full range of Oxbryta’s risks.

Oxbryta Side Effects

Some of the reported side effects and severe complications associated with Oxbryta include:

Severe Anemia – Oxbryta may exacerbate anemia symptoms, leading to extreme fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Muscle or Joint Aches – Muscle and joint pain are common side effects, adding to the physical discomfort already experienced by those with sickle cell disease.
Liver Damage – Reports include elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and in severe cases, liver failure, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Cardiovascular Issues – Patients have reported heart palpitations, chest pain, and an increased risk of developing blood clots, further complicating their condition.
Swollen Lymph Nodes – Swollen lymph nodes may occur as a result of an immune system reaction to Oxbryta, indicating potential inflammation or hypersensitivity to the drug.
Gastrointestinal Problems – Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are also commonly reported side effects, which can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Allergic Reactions – Symptoms such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing have been noted, indicating potential hypersensitivity to the drug.
Kidney Complications – Reduced kidney function and, in some cases, kidney failure have been linked to Oxbryta use.
Neurological Symptoms – Some patients have experienced headaches, dizziness, and confusion, which can interfere with daily activities and overall well-being.
Infections – Oxbryta may suppress immune responses, leaving affected patients more vulnerable to infections, compounding the risks associated with sickle cell disease.
Acute Chest Syndrome – Oxbryta may potentially contribute to acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication characterized by chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Leg Ulcers – Some patients have reported the development or worsening of leg ulcers, which are already a known complication in sickle cell patient populations.

These side effects can significantly impact individuals already managing the challenges of sickle cell disease, including its hallmark complications like vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).

As such, affected patients experiencing these unexpected symptoms or other adverse events after taking Oxbryta should seek immediate medical attention as well as explore their legal options to pursue compensation for the harm caused.

Oxbryta Recall

Oxbryta has faced increased scrutiny due to reports of serious health risks and side effects, prompting questions about its safety and the adequacy of the manufacturer’s warnings.

In response to the growing number of concerns, Pfizer issued a voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the market, urging healthcare providers to stop prescribing Oxbryta and asking that patients taking Oxbryta seek alternative treatments for their sickle cell disease management.

As the evidence mounts, regulatory agencies may consider further action, including a formal recall, to protect patients from the drug’s serious health risks.

Why Was Oxbryta Recalled?

Oxbryta was voluntarily withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer, Pfizer, in September 2024 due to significant safety concerns highlighted by clinical data. Postmarketing clinical trials revealed a higher incidence of vaso-occlusive crises—severe pain episodes caused by blocked blood flow—in patients taking Oxbryta compared to the placebo group.

These studies also showed an increased number of deaths and severe health complications among Oxbryta users. Further real-world registry data and reports of other complications within the sickle cell patient population supported these findings, prompting Pfizer to take action.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also reviewed the clinical data and expressed concerns about the drug’s risk-to-benefit profile, adding to the pressure for a voluntary recall. As a result, Pfizer ceased the distribution of Oxbryta, halted ongoing clinical trials, and discontinued expanded access programs.

Who Is Eligible to File an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Louisiana?

Individuals in Louisiana and beyond may be eligible to file an Oxbryta lawsuit if they meet the following criteria:

Oxbryta Usage: They were a patient that was prescribed and took Oxbryta for the treatment of sickle cell disease, or a member of the prescribed persons’ family.
Adverse Health Effects: While taking Oxbryta or within one week of stopping, the patient experienced serious injuries or health complications that led to hospitalization or death.
Causal Link: There is medical evidence suggesting a connection between the use of Oxbryta and the adverse health effects experienced.

Of course, it’s important for those considering filing an Oxbryta lawsuit to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney like Joseph Greenwald to assess their individual circumstances and determine eligibility.

Legal Basis for Oxbryta Lawsuits

Under the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA), a manufacturer can be held liable if a product is found to be unreasonably dangerous due to a defect in its design, manufacturing, or lack of adequate warnings.

Oxbryta lawsuits filed allege that the drug was defectively designed, meaning its risks outweighed its benefits even when used as intended. Other claims also focus on the manufacturer’s failure to warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential for severe side effects, such as organ damage, anemia, or life-threatening complications.

Negligence plays a critical role in lawsuits like these, as plaintiffs must show that the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, testing, and marketing Oxbryta. This includes allegations that Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) and Pfizer overlooked or downplayed safety concerns during clinical trials and post-market monitoring.

By filing a lawsuit with the help of an experienced Louisiana product liability lawyer like Joey Greenwald, victims can seek compensation for any and all damages caused by the drug, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, while also holding the manufacturer accountable for prioritizing profits over consumer safety.

How The Greenwald Law Firm Can Help Victims of Oxbryta

The Greenwald Law Firm, led by experienced personal injury and class action attorney Joey Greenwald, is dedicated to helping victims of Oxbryta and their families seek justice and fair compensation. Whether you are pursuing an individual lawsuit or joining a class action, our team will guide you through every step of the legal process.

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we’ll provide comprehensive legal support. This includes thoroughly investigating your case, gathering critical evidence, and consulting with medical and pharmaceutical experts to establish the connection between Oxbryta and the harm you’ve suffered.

Our experienced attorneys at the Greenwald Law Firm will handle all aspects of the claim, from filing to negotiations to litigation, ensuring your rights are protected throughout.

Compensation for Oxbryta Lawsuits

Victims of Oxbryta-related complications can seek compensation for various types of damages through their lawsuits. These damages are designed to address the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the harm they’ve experienced and include:

Medical expenses (i.e., hospital bills, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, ongoing therapy, and any future medical care required to manage long-term health issues stemming from the drug’s side effects)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering (i.e., chronic pain, reduced quality of life, mental anguish, and emotional suffering endured as a result of the drug’s adverse effects)
Wrongful death damages (i.e., funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering caused by the untimely death of a family member)

By pursuing these damages, victims and their families can obtain the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives while holding the manufacturer accountable for its negligence.

How to File an Oxbryta Lawsuit in Louisiana

If you’re interested in filing an Oxbryta lawsuit in Louisiana, start with a free case consultation at the Greenwald Law Firm. During this initial meeting, attorney Joey Greenwald will listen to your story, review the details of your experience, and evaluate whether you may have a valid claim.

There are no upfront fees for this consultation or throughout the process, as our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis (you only pay if we successfully secure compensation for you).

Once your case is accepted, our Oxbryta lawyers will begin a thorough investigation to gather evidence to support your claim. This includes reviewing medical records, analyzing reports of Oxbryta-related side effects, consulting with medical and pharmaceutical experts, and building a strong argument to establish the manufacturer’s liability.

The next step involves filing a formal lawsuit on your behalf, whether as an individual case or as part of a class action. Joey and his legal team will handle all communications with the manufacturer, their attorneys, and the court, guiding you through negotiations and, if necessary, litigation.

Rest assured, the Greenwald Law Firm will fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages so you can work on your own recovery without any of the legal or financial stress.

Contact Louisiana Oxbryta Injury Lawyer Joey Greenwald at The Greenwald Law Firm Today

Serious health complications or fatal events caused by a medication you or a loved one trusted to improve your/their life are devastating, but justice is within reach.

If you or a loved one in Louisiana has suffered harm after taking Oxbryta, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The Greenwald Law Firm is here to help you hold the manufacturer accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve through an Oxbryta lawsuit. Joey Greenwald and his team have the experience, dedication, and resources to take on powerful pharmaceutical companies and fight for victims across Louisiana.

Take the first step toward justice by contacting the Greenwald Law Firm for a free consultation today. With no upfront fees and a proven commitment to putting clients first, Joey Greenwald will guide you through every step of the legal process.

Call our Shreveport-based personal injury law firm today at (318) 219-7867 or complete our online intake form to share your story and learn how we can help you reclaim your future and secure the compensation you need to move forward.