The FDA recalled the dialysis product GranuFlo in March 2012, warning that the treatment was linked to a 6 times increased risk of heart attack. If you or a loved one has suffered a cardiac event after undergoing dialysis, our Granuflo/NaturaLyte lawyers want to help. Contact our experienced dangerous drug attorneys for a free legal consultation!
What is GranuFlo?
GranuFlo and similar product NaturaLyte is a dialysis treatment used in clinics across the U.S. GranuFlo is manufactured by Fresenius Medical Care. According to an internal memo that was circulated within Fresenius on Nov. 4, 2011, patients who undergo GranuFlo treatment are 6 to 8 times more likely to suffer heart attack or sudden cardiac death. Patients may suffer heart attack from the moment they are hooked up to the dialysis machine to as much as 48 hours after undergoing treatment.
Fresenius Hides Information About GranuFlo and NaturaLyte Risks
Instead of warning the FDA and the public of these GranuFlo complications, Fresenius kept the information a secret. In fact, the FDA only found out when the internal document was anonymously leaked to the agency, according to an article in The New York Times.
FDA Recalls GranuFlo
In March 2012, the FDA issued a Class I recall of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. A Class I recall is the most serious, and it is issued only when “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious negative health consequences or death.” The FDA determined that GranuFlo was too unsafe to remain on the market any longer.
Why is GranuFlo Dangerous?
During the process of dialysis, blood is filtered outside of the body. An alkaline substance called bicarbonate is administered to neutralize acid that has built up in the blood. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte both contain an ingredient called acetate, which the body converts to biocarbonate. Studies have shown that too much biocarbonate has been linked to issues with the heart, reports The New York Times. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte contain more of this ingredient than rival products. Anyone who has suffered a heart attack after undergoing GranuFlo or NaturaLyte treatment should reach out to a lawyer right away.
Contact Our Experienced Granuflo/NaturaLyte Attorneys
If you have suffered a heart attack or if you have lost a family member to sudden cardiac event after undergoing dialysis, we can help. Contact the Granuflo/NaturaLyte lawyers of Childers, Schlueter & Smith for a free case evaluation and consultation. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you and fight for the maximum compensation on your behalf.
