Plavix, manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb (collectively, “Defendants”), is a blood thinner prescribed to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clotting. However, the users of Plavix have alleged various forms of severe side-effects. Reportedly, these side-effects include: gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral bleeding, bleeding ulcers, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), heart attack, stroke and death.
In February 2013, the United States Judicial Panel (“Panel”) on Multi-District Litigation (“MDL”) ruled to consolidate all federal district cases in the District of New Jersey. The MDL 2418, In Re Plavix Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, will be handled by Judge Freda L.Wolfson, who will manage all pre-trial issues for all federal Plavix cases. This recent ruling overturns the Panel’s 2011, ruling wherein it rejected the motion to consolidate due, in part, to the limited number of cases. However, in reconsidering its prior decision, the Panel concluded that there had been a significant change in circumstances. Recent reports suggest that there is estimated to be more than 2,000 state Plavix cases with an expectation that the federal actions will similarly increase.
The granting of MDL treatment will streamline the lawsuits, allowing the parties to avoid duplicative discovery and inconsistent rulings from different judges. Additionally, MDL treatment will provide more convenience for the witnesses, the parties and the court. It is also anticipated that Judge Woflson will coordinate the federal cases with the New Jersey state Plavix cases, which are currently centralized before Jessica Mayer in Middlesex County.
If you feel you have experienced any side-effects from taking Plavix®, you can contact Stark & Stark and speak to one of the Mass Tort/Pharmaceutical Litigation attorneys, free of charge, who can help assess any claims that you might have against the Plavix® manufacturers.