GranuFlo is a widely prescribed dry acid product indicated for administration during kidney dialysis. Its unique composition of evenly distributed electrolytes helps remove toxins from the blood while patients are on dialysis. However, the simultaneous use of both Granuflo and bicarbonate may coincide with the development of severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Subsequently, Granuflo treatment in certain populations may significantly increase a patient’s risk of experiencing cardiovascular death, cardiopulmonary arrest, heart attack, and other severe injuries — including death.
If you or a loved one has been injured by GranuFlo, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
GranuFlo Lawsuit Overview
GranuFlo is a dry acid concentrate that was developed by Fresenius Medical Care for the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure during hemodialysis. More specifically, however, GranuFlo was formulated for the use in a three-stream hemodialysis machine, which is calibrated for acid and bicarbonate concentrates. These compounds are used as a dialysate solution – part of the compounds that help remove toxins from the kidneys during the dialysis and specifically the hemodialysis process.
During hemodialysis patients attempt to remove creatinine, potassium, urea and free water that the kidneys can no longer process. Since the use of hemodialysis attempt to use ultrafiltration across the semipermeable membrane, it has to replace some key components back into the blood. One item that must be re-introduced is a sodium bicarbonate, which helps to correct blood acidity from the process. However, some medical professionals may be unaware of the additional presence of bicarbonate introduced by GranuFlo.
The increased ratio of bicarbonate created by GranuFlo conversion may coincide with the development of serious side effects. Of significant concern, however, are recent associations that have established a link between GranuFlo and the development of metabolic alkalosis, a severe disorder that can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, cardiopulmonary arrest, severe injury, and death. Do to the rate and severity in which these complications occur, Fresenius Medical Care may become the target of a large GranuFlo lawsuit.
GranuFlo Side Effects
GranuFlo lawsuits are currently evaluating the potential link between the use of this dry acid and the development of the following side effects:
- Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Low blood pressure
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Hypoxemia (low oxygen in blood)
- Hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide in blood)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Death
FDA Warning
The manufacturer, in association with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a warning to clinicians to be aware of the concentration of acetate or sodium diacetate (acetic acid plus acetate) contained in Fresenius’ Granuflo Dry Acid Concentrate. Inappropriate prescription of these products can lead to a high serum bicarbonate level in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This may contribute to metabolic alkalosis, which is a significant risk factor associated with low blood pressure, hypokalemia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and cardiac arrhythmia, which, if not appropriately treated, may culminate in cardiopulmonary arrest. This product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including death.
Do I Have a GranuFlo Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in GranuFlo lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by GranuFlo, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.