GranuFlo® is a powdered drug mixed with liquid NaturaLyte® to facilitate the process of dialysis. Dialysis is the clinical purification of the blood. Both GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® are manufactured by the German company Fresenius Medical Care and were released for dialysis use in 2003.
The American company DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc. specializes in providing dialysis services to patients with kidney failure and end-stage renal disease. DaVita used the Fresenius products GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® for many years.
Why GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® Dialysis Lawsuits?
There is serious potential for alkali dosing errors when using GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte®. Alkali dosing errors lead to high alkali levels, which can increase risks for the following:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium in the bloodstream)
- Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels)
- Hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream)
- Cardiac Arrhythmia (disruption to the heart’s normal rhythm)
- Stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain)
- Cardiac Arrest (cessation of the heart’s function)
*These factors frequently cause permanent heart issues and death, often suddenly.
Who is Subject to Dialysis Lawsuits?
Fresenius Medical Care operates kidney dialysis clinics throughout the United States. Lawsuits against Fresenius accuse the company of notifying its own clinics and doctors of the potential risks of alkali dosing errors but failing to alert non-Fresenius clinics. Until an internal memo was leaked to the FDA, the dangers of GranuFlo® and NaturaLyte® were not known outside of Fresenius clinics. The memo resulted in a Class I Recall of the drugs in March 2012.
In March 2013, Lawyers Weekly USA announced four class-action lawsuits against DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc. The lawsuits claim the operator should have known the potential for alkali dosing errors before subjecting patients to the Fresenius products. There have also been 161 lawsuits brought against Fresenius Medical Care for its neglect, as stated by PRWeb Newswire in May 2013.
If you, or someone you know, have undergone dialysis treatment and experienced adverse health effects, don’t wait to seek answers. Contact Us.