Recent studies have found that Trasylol significantly increases the risk of kidney failure, stroke and heart failure or heart attack by up to 55 percent. A recent study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in February 2008, reported that Trasylol administered during a coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) resulted in a 64% higher risk of death than in a group of patients that were administered a different drug.

Another study found that the use of Trasylol in uncomplicated coronary-artery surgeries had up to 181 percent increase in the incidence of stroke or encephalopathy. Encephalopathy alters brain function/ and or structure. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, personality changes and progressive loss of consciousness.

To assess these risks more fully, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated hearings to reassess the drug’s safety and risk factors. The FDA concluded that no changes were necessary on the drug’s official labeling.

Finally, on November 5, 2007, the FDA requested Bayer Pharmaceuticals suspend their marketing of Trasylol. The suspension was requested in the interest of patient safety based on the serious outcomes of the drug. The FDA stated that it could not identify a patient population where the benefits of Trasylol outweighed the risks.

If you or a loved one has suffered sever side effects as a result of using Trasylol, please contact Drug Alert Updates.