Approximately 260,000 dialysis patients receive treatment either at Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) dialysis centers or facilities that use FMC products. Because the nature of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte acid concentrates, all patients receiving treatment using these products may be at risk of serious health complications. Patients or families of patients who have suffered serious side effects while receiving GranuFlo or NaturaLyte dialysis treatments are advised to consult a professional lawyer in order to determine whether the FMC acid products may have been a contributing factor to the injuries.
Greater Bicarbonate Conversion
GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are the acid concentrate products that are used in its diluted form as dialysate. The dry and liquid formulas are set apart from other acid concentrates because of the sodium acetate used in the formulas. Most dialysate products use strictly acetic acid. However, the unconventional ingredient in the FMC solutions acid concentrates can cause bicarbonate overdose in patients. When sodium acetate passes through the patient’s tissues and liver, the chemical compound converts into bicarbonate in greater amount and speed. Although bicarbonate has an important function in the bloodstream, by maintaining the blood pH at proper levels, too much can put the patient at risk of serious complications.
Health Risks Associated with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte
Higher than prescribed bicarbonate levels can cause damage to the heart and lungs. Some of the complications GranuFlo and NaturaLyte has been associated with includes:
- Cardiac arrest
- Heart problems
- Sudden heart attack
- Alkalosis
- Low blood pressure
- Death
According to the internal studies conducted by FMC, depending on the patient’s internal conditions, dialysis treatment conducted using GranuFlo may actually increase the risk of cardiac arrest by 6.3 times. The increased risk of death was found to be independent from any underlying heart conditions.
Take Immediate Action
Dialysis patients are advised to contact their healthcare provider to determine which chemicals are being used during treatment. If you are one of the thousands of patients who have been regularly undergoing treatment at an FMC dialysis center, make sure to monitor your health closely for any signs of bicarbonate overdosing. If you or a loved one has in fact been harmed by the dangerous GranuFlo or NaturaLyte chemicals, protect your legal rights by seeking prompt legal counsel.
Fresenius Medical’s Liability
GranuFlo has been available in the markets since 2003, but it was not until 2010 when in the face of overwhelming adverse event reports the medical device manufacturer decided to test the formulation for safety. And despite knowing of the increased risks associated with the products as early as 2010, the company failed to notify the FDA and its patients until 2012 when GranuFlo and NaturaLyte were finally recalled.
Seeking Justice Against Medical Device Manufacturers
In a for profit health care system, companies sometimes put profit above the safety and health of the public. When this occurs, it is critical to retain an attorney skilled enough to face negligent firms at the negotiating table or before a jury, willing to fight to see justice served. For information on how Estey Bomberger’s lawyers can fight on your behalf against FMC, contact us today for a free consultation regarding your GranuFlo or NaturaLyte injury claim.