GranuFlo and NaturaLyte Heart Attack Risk

GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are dialysis products that have been linked to serious complications related to heart health. One of the most serious risks is the possibility of a heart attack linked to NaturaLyte or Granuflo, which could potentially be fatal. Manufacturer Fresenius Medical Care, which produces products that service about 1/3 of the 400,000 patients across the country undergoing kidney dialysis, released a memo stating that cardiac arrest occurred in more than 941 patients in Fresenius clinics across the country during 2010. This excludes the number of patients who were using Fresenius products in clinics not run by the corporation.

High bicarbonate levels could influence side effects

NaturaLyte and GranuFlo function by helping in a multi-pronged dialysis treatment system. Dialysis is intended to help patients whose kidneys have failed to function rid their body of toxins, a process which would normally be carried out by the kidneys. One chemical reaction afforded by these products consists of a conversion to bicarbonate. NaturaLyte and GranuFlo contain high levels of the substance that converts to bicarbonate, which could lead to a potential overdose.

A leaked internal memo circulated within the Fresenius Corporation implied that doctors were often not taking into account the higher levels of bicarbonate in GranuFlo and NaturaLyte as opposed to comparable products, and therefore patients were dealing with elevated bicarbonate levels, sometimes too high for human consumption. This condition is known as metabolic alkalosis, and in many cases can lead to cardiac arrest which in turn can lead to death. The leaked memo led to a GranuFlo recall which in turn has led to a number of lawsuits filed by patients who have had to deal with side effects of the medication.

Side effects spark lawsuits

Patients who have experienced GranuFlo heart attack and other serious side effects are likely to file a lawsuit against Fresenius. Most of these suits claim that the drug maker failed to adequately warn patients about the risks associated with the treatments, and accuse them of putting dozens of patients at risk.