Oxbryta® (voxelotor), once hailed as a groundbreaking treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), was recalled by Pfizer, its manufacturer, in September 2024 because of its severe and potentially life-threatening side effects.
While the drug was designed to improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the incidence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in patients with SCD, emerging evidence and reports from clinical trials reveal that it may do significantly more harm than good for many patients.
Countless patients were told this drug was safe and would help treat their SCD. Instead, many of them have been seriously harmed by it. Our firm believes this is unacceptable, and we’re working hard to help injured victims get maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one was harmed by Oxbryta, the drug injury lawyers at Ferrer Poirot Feller are on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.
People who take Oxbryta face a high risk of developing many different types of serious and potentially fatal complications, including:
- Increased Risk of Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs): Oxbryta is supposed to decrease the occurrence of VOCs, a common and debilitating complication of SCD that includes sudden, severe pain caused by blockages in blood vessels. However, recent studies and patient reports indicate that some patients experience an increased incidence of VOCs after beginning Oxbryta treatment.
- Liver and Kidney Failure: Oxbryta also has the potential to cause organ failure. Reports have linked the drug to severe damage to vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. Patients and healthcare providers have reported cases of acute kidney and liver failure shortly after initiating Oxbryta treatment. Organ failure not only worsens the health challenges faced by SCD patients, but also can be fatal.
- Increased Risk of Stroke: Stroke is another serious concern associated with Oxbryta use. Patients who use the drug have reported strokes, which may result from the drug’s impact on blood viscosity and circulation. Stroke is a devastating complication that can cause permanent neurological damage, disability, and even death.
- Increased Mortality Rate: Clinical trials and post-market studies have found that patients treated with Oxbryta exhibit a higher mortality rate compared to those receiving a placebo. This finding raises serious questions about the drug’s long-term safety.
- Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions: In addition to the severe side effects mentioned above, Oxbryta has been linked to hypersensitivity reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). These reactions can cause widespread inflammation, skin rashes, fever, and organ damage.
In light of these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued alerts to patients and healthcare professionals about the dangers of Oxbryta. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Oxbryta, has voluntarily withdrawn all lots of the drug from the market, citing safety concerns and the need to protect public health. For more information, see the FDA’s official alert and Pfizer’s press release.
If you or a loved one experienced severe side effects from Oxbryta, such as increased VOCs, organ failure, stroke, or even death, it’s important to contact an experienced drug injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to ensure the safety of their products and to provide adequate warnings about potential risks. When they fail to do so, they can and should be held accountable. Our legal team is currently building cases for people who were injured by Oxbryta, and we want to help you, too.
Contact Ferrer Poirot Feller today for a free case review and learn how we can put our experience to work for your family.