GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® acid concentrate are products used in hemodialysis treatments. They were recalled on March 29, 2012, due to a high risk of dosing error leading to heart attack and death. These products are still in use. If you are a dialysis patient and have suffered a heart attack or another adverse cardiac event GranuFlo® or NaturaLyte® may be to blame. Heart attack attorney Richard P. Hastings can help you get compensation for your injuries.
GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® Injuries
Because the ingredients in GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are different to those in similar products, improper dosing is highly likely, and can result in bicarbonate overdose and blood which is too alkaline. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte injuries can include:
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Heart attack
- Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Heart arrhythmias
- Stroke
- Sudden cardiac death
Fresenius Medical Care Failed to Warn
Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) makes GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte®. It is the largest operator of dialysis clinics in the country, treating about one-third of the 400,000 dialysis patients in the U.S. FMC also sells dialysis products, including GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte®, to clinics it does not operate. It is estimated that about 125,000 patients receive GranuFlo® in non-FMC clinics.
FMC issued a memo, dated November 4, 2011, to its clinics warning of the dangers of GranuFlo®, but did not warn its customers of the dangers with the product. It was not until March, 2012, when someone anonymously leaked the memo to the FDA, that FMC notified its customers of the problem with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte and initiated the recall.
If you believe that GranuFlo® or NaturaLyte® caused your heart attack, please contact us right away to learn more about your legal rights. Look at our website at www.hcwlaw.com