Lexiscan (regadenoson) is a medication that is used to stress the heart muscle during a cardiac stress test, which doctors use to diagnose heart disease. Unfortunately, this may lead to a deadly heart attack. The FDA has linked Lexiscan to 26 heart attacks and 29 deaths, and they have required stronger warnings on the label for Lexiscan.
What You Can Do & How a Lexiscan Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Lexiscan induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Lexiscan, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is Lexiscan?
Lexiscan (regadenoson) is an intravenous (IV) medication that is administered to patients undergoing a cardiac stress test. This test measures blood-flow to the heart muscle during exercise and at rest. About 50% of people who need a cardiac stress test are unable to exercise due to an underlying medical condition. For these patients, a medication like Lexiscan is used to stress the heart muscle and simulate exercise. Doctors take pictures of the heart before and after administering Lexiscan. These images can help diagnose coronary artery disease.
What is the problem with Lexiscan?
Lexiscan causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood-flow through healthy arteries that are not obstructed. The problem is that this can significantly reduce blood-flow through a narrow artery, which can cause a life-threatening or fatal heart attack.
FDA Safety Warning for Lexiscan Heart Attacks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Drug Safety Communication for Lexiscan and Adenoscan on November 20, 2013. After reviewing the FDA database of adverse events, they linked Lexiscan to 26 heart attacks and 29 deaths between June 2008 – April 2013. The FDA strengthened the warning label on Lexiscan and warned that it should not be used in people with risk-factors for heart attacks, such as cardiovascular instability or unstable angina (chest pain due to reduced oxygen and blood-flow to the heart muscle).
Lexiscan Prescribing Information
The Prescribing Information for Lexiscan carries strengthened warnings about the risk of deadly heart attacks:
“Myocardial Ischemia: Fatal cardiac events have occurred. Avoid use in patients with symptoms or signs of acute myocardial ischemia, for example unstable angina or cardiovascular instability, who may be at greater risk. Cardiac resuscitation equipment and trained staff should be available before administration.”
Studies Linking Lexiscan and Heart Attacks
In June 2013, two studies were published linking Lexiscan and heart attacks:
- Pharmacotherapy: Case report of a heart attack induced by Lexiscan in a 68 year-old man.
- Journal of Nuclear Cardiology: Researchers link Lexiscan to a severe heart attack and multi-vessel coronary thrombosis.
Do I have a Lexiscan Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Lexiscan injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Lexiscan, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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