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Oxbryta Lawsuit

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (561) 293-2600 for legal advice and representation.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications due to Oxbryta, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Osborne & Francis today at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

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Oxbryta LawsuitOsborne & Francis
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Joseph Osborne

People taking Oxbryta (voxelotor) to manage sickle cell disease may be at risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health complications. 

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Several studies have linked this medication, once seen as a major breakthrough treatment, to vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, or other severe injuries. In September 2024, Oxbryta was pulled from the market after new safety concerns came to light.

Many trusted Oxbryta to improve their health. However, patients and their families have been left devastated by injuries that have only worsened their condition. People are now filing lawsuits following the Oxbryta recall to recover compensation for their injuries and to hold Pfizer accountable to stop similar tragedies. 

At Osborne & Francis, we've been standing up for individuals harmed by dangerous drugs for nearly a decade. We’ve earned a strong reputation for courageously taking on large pharmaceutical companies with deep pockets. If you or a loved one took Oxbryta and later developed health complications, contact our team online or by calling (561) 293-2600 today. 

“With Osborne & Francis, their team has been there with me every step of the way. They are very informative and are easy to get in touch with whenever I have questions or need help with anything. They were very thorough and understanding when it came to handling my case. I highly recommend this firm! Thanks for all you do!”

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Brandi H. | Client

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

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About Oxbryta

Oxbryta, also known as voxelotor, is a prescription drug developed to treat sickle cell disease (SCD), a serious condition that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. This condition primarily impacts people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian backgrounds. 

For people suffering from SCD, their red blood cells become stiff and become crescent-shaped, which can block blood flow to the rest of the body. Oxbryta, available in tablet or liquid form, is a hemoglobin S polymerization inhibitor and targets the underlying cause of SCD, preventing the blood cells from deforming into the rigid sickle shape. 

By helping blood cells remain disc-shaped and flexible, Oxbryta was intended to stop dangerous episodes called vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), which are not only extremely painful but can also cause organ damage. 

Pfizer marketed Oxbryta as an innovative drug since this drug marked the first time people living with sickle cell had a treatment that focused on fixing the root cause of their condition, not just treating the symptoms.

The FDA’s Fast-Track Approval of Oxbryta 

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Oxbryta to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children aged 12 and older. The drug was fast-tracked for approval because of the urgent need for better treatments for sickle cell disease. 

The FDA even expanded its approval in 2021 to include children as young as 4, offering new hope for families who have been struggling with this lifelong disease.

Oxbryta is used globally; in fact, between 2019 and 2024, Oxbryta received approval in 35 different countries.

Understanding the Oxbryta Recall

In September 2024, Pfizer, the company that manufactures Oxbryta, announced a voluntary recall of the drug. This recall came after several studies indicated the benefit of Oxbryta does not outweigh the risks for sickle cell patients. 

In studies after Oxbryta was approved, Pfizer found that patients taking Oxbryta had more severe pain episodes, known as vaso-occlusive crises, compared to those taking a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). These pain episodes happen when sickled red blood cells block blood flow and oxygen to tissues. 

There were also more deaths in the group of patients using Oxbryta than in the group using the placebo. Pfizer saw the same results in two other studies that looked at how Oxbryta worked in real-world settings. After reviewing all the data, Pfizer decided that the risks of Oxbryta were too high compared to the benefits it provided.

In light of the Oxbryta recall, the FDA issued a safety alert and encouraged patients to stop using Oxbryta right away. They advised people to speak with their doctors to figure out the best alternative treatment for their sickle cell disease. 

The FDA is also continuing to review the safety data and is asking for more reports on any side effects that patients may have experienced while using the drug.

The FDA is not the only regulatory agency that has cautioned the public against Oxbryta. Given the drug’s widespread reach and use, the European Medicines Agency also recommended the suspension of Oxbryta in September 2024.

Oxbryta Linked to Vaso-Occlusive Crises and Death

Patients who had hoped Oxbryta would help manage their condition allegedly found that it sometimes caused even more problems.

One of the most concerning issues linked to Oxbryta is increased occurrences of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). VOCs inhibit blood flow and prevent oxygen from reaching critical parts of the body, which could result in organ damage. Although Oxbryta was intended to reduce the frequency of VOC events, studies found that it may actually cause patients to experience them more often. 

Additional injuries reported by patients who took Oxbryta include: 

  • Irreversible organ damage
  • Strokes
  • Kidney failure

Alarmingly, clinical trials have also uncovered higher death rates among Oxbryta patients compared to placebo patients. For example, in the “Study to Evaluate the Effect of GBT440 on TCD in Pediatrics With Sickle Cell Disease” (HOPE Kids 2) study, which focused on children with sickle cell disease, 8 children taking Oxbryta died, while only 2 children in the placebo group passed away. 

Additionally, in the “Resolution of Sickle Cell Leg Ulcers With Voxelotor” (RESOLVE) study, which looked at adults with sickle cell disease and leg ulcers, 8 out of 88 patients taking Oxbryta died.

Drug labels must clearly and thoroughly list potential side effects. Without these critical warnings, healthcare providers and patients are left in the dark, and innocent lives can be tragically impacted.

It can feel devastating to be betrayed by a drug you thought was safe and could trust. If you experienced severe health complications after taking Oxbryta, there is a path forward. Find out more about your rights by filling out our online form or calling (561) 293-2600 today.

Do I Qualify for an Oxbryta Lawsuit? 

While Pfizer did warn of certain side effects of Oxbryta on the drug’s label, such as headaches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, rash, and fever, the company made no mention of the other health complications from the postmarket studies.

Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) are extremely painful and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. While these crises are a difficult reality for people living with sickle cell disease, Oxbryta was specifically designed to reduce or prevent them. Yet, surprisingly, studies have shown that Oxbryta may actually make these painful episodes more frequent, rather than easing them.

If you or a loved one took Oxbryta to treat sickle cell disease and suffered severe health complications, such as a vaso-occlusive crisis, organ damage, strokes, kidney failure, or death, you may be eligible for an Oxbryta lawsuit. 

Contact the trusted lawyers at Osborne & Francis today online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to learn more about whether you have an Oxbryta case and what your legal rights are going forward. 

How Can an Oxbryta Lawyer Help Me? 

Living with sickle cell disease is already incredibly challenging. Now, imagine getting your hopes up for some much-needed relief and comfort through a medication that promises to help, only to have it worsen your condition. Unfortunately, this may have been the frustrating reality for some Oxbryta patients, who trusted the drug to improve their lives but endured more frequent and intense complications instead.

When dealing with the aftermath of a harmful drug, an experienced legal team can be an invaluable support system in seeking compensation and justice. Here’s how an Oxbryta lawyer can fight for you: 

  • Investigate Oxbryta Risks: A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the truth behind Oxbryta, including premarket and postmarket clinical trial data to determine whether Pfizer failed to adequately warn the public about the drug’s risks. 
  • Gathering Crucial Evidence: An attorney can collect medical records, prescription history, and medical professional testimony to demonstrate how Oxbryta directly caused health complications, such as VOCs, organ damage, or fatalities.
  • Managing Pesky Legal Deadlines: A lawyer will remove all of the guesswork by making sure all legal papers are filed correctly and on time, avoiding any delays or pitfalls that could hurt your case. 
  • Handling All Negotiations: Through their experience and resources, a lawyer will challenge Pfizer on the safety of Oxbryta and the potential negligence in its approval and distribution. From there, they will take care of the negotiations with Pfizer and its legal time. 
  • Defend You in Court: If the other side won’t agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer will be ready and able to fight for maximum compensation in court.
At Osborne & Francis, we know that a relentless and debilitating illness like sickle cell disease can drain you in more ways than one. If Oxbryta has caused you suffering, expensive medical complications, or even the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, we know you may feel financially and mentally overwhelmed. The weight of it all might leave you wondering how you could ever afford legal help in the first place.

That’s why our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us a single dime unless we win your case. No more worrying about upfront legal costs that will leave you high and dry or financially in the hole. If you want to learn more about our fee structure, call Osborne & Francis today at (561) 293-2600 or by filling out our quick online form

What Types of Compensation Can I Get in an Oxbryta Lawsuit? 

Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer have enormous resources, with billions in revenue and legal teams ready to fight back against claims. It’s understandable that many might feel intimidated about taking legal action against large drug companies. But here, at Osborne & Francis, we don’t let companies off the hook so easily. 

When it comes to patients allegedly harmed by Oxbryta, we are committed to ensuring that every possible type of compensation is pursued. Here's what we’ll fight for:

  • Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes all hospital bills, doctor visits, treatments, surgeries, and any long-term care required due to the complications caused by Oxbryta.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your condition due to Oxbryta has affected your ability to work or has led to job loss, we’ll fight for compensation to cover lost wages and future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering: The emotional toll and physical pain caused by Oxbryta’s side effects will be accounted for to ensure you are compensated for everything you’ve been through. 
  • Punitive Damages: If the company’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, we may be able to pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
  • Wrongful Death: For the families who tragically lost a loved one due to the complications from Oxbryta, we will pursue wrongful death claims to hold Pfizer accountable and provide the family with the financial support they need during this difficult time.

A lawyer will leave no stone unturned when calculating the full extent of damages you may be entitled to. Plus, having a lawyer on your side is crucial because negotiating with a large company can be daunting, and settling for the first offer could mean leaving money on the table. 

Studies show that patients who held out for a better deal received settlements that were, on average, $30,700 higher than those who accepted the first offer. With a skilled attorney, you can ensure that you’re not just accepting what's offered, but fighting for the compensation you truly deserve.

Why Are People Filing Oxbryta Lawsuits?
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T. Andrews

“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

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C. Smith

“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

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J. Davis

“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

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E. Holland

Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

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Alfred

Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

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Erica F.

"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

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Why Hire Osborne & Francis: Defective Drug Lawyers That Will Stop at Nothing 

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects African American populations, meaning that a higher number of Black individuals are potentially at risk from the dangers posed by Oxbryta. This raises concerns about racial disparities in healthcare, where certain communities may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of medications that are supposed to offer relief.

We’ve seen the impact of systemic injustice firsthand in our work, such as when we helped secure a landmark $1.25 billion settlement for Black farmers who faced discrimination by the USDA. Whether it be a powerful institution or company, we are real tough lawyers ready to take on tough cases. 

Building on our history of standing up to powerful institutions, our firm has extensive experience handling defective drug cases, including Depo-Provera, Kratom, and Zantac, just to name a few. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including $9.4 million against pharmaceutical company Bayer over the drug, Trasylol, which was supposed to reduce bleeding during complex surgeries but instead resulted in thousands of deaths. 

Our team is not only ready to do whatever it takes to get you the financial support you need to move forward, but we hope to accomplish meaningful change in how drugs are placed on the market. Reach out to Osborne & Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxbryta Lawsuit FAQs

Why Are People Filing Oxbryta Lawsuits?

​​People are filing lawsuits against Pfizer over Oxbryta because the drug has allegedly caused serious harm to those with sickle cell disease. Many have experienced severe complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), and some have even died. The lawsuits claim that Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients about the risks and dangers of taking Oxbryta.

What Type of Evidence Will I Need in an Oxbryta Lawsuit?

If you’re thinking about a lawsuit related to Oxbryta, gathering the right evidence is key. This includes medical records, prescription details, and any side effects you’ve experienced. You’ll also want things like doctor’s statements, financial records for medical bills or lost wages, and even photos of symptoms. Personal stories about how Oxbryta has impacted your life can really help, too. An attorney can guide you through collecting all the right evidence and make sure everything is in place for your case.

When Should I Contact an Oxbryta Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has suffered health complications, such as VOCs, organ damage, or death after taking Oxbryta, you should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Every state has laws known as the statute of limitations, limiting the amount of time you have to file a claim. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, but it could be anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on your situation and where you live. Call Osborne & Francis today at (561) 293-2600 or reach out to us online to get more information on how long you may have to file a claim.

What If My Family Member Died Due to Oxbryta Complications?

If a loved one passes away due to complications from Oxbryta, family members can take legal action. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Pfizer and, in doing so, seek compensation for funeral costs, burial expenses, loss of financial contributions from your family member, and loss of consortium, which is the emotional and relational impact of losing your loved one.