Extended-Release Potassium Chloride Capsules Recalled After Deaths
Potassium chloride, a drug commonly prescribed to treat low potassium levels in the blood, is an electrolyte replenisher that can relieve leg cramps, muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, and other symptoms of hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency.
Recent events, however, are raising serious concerns about the safety of potassium chloride extended-release capsules. Instead of dissolving over an extended period, the capsules can dissolve too quickly in the body, releasing dangerously high and potentially deadly levels of potassium.
These findings have promoted a potassium chloride recall. Sadly, however, the extended-release capsules have been tied to at least two deaths already. It’s unclear how many others may have been injured by the defective drugs.
If you or a loved one has been sickened by prescription extended-release potassium chloride capsules, Bailey & Gaylen’s award-winning team of product liability lawyers can help you. Our firm is already representing families who have suffered loss because of defective extended-release potassium chloride capsules.
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has suffered a heart attack or other injury from using potassium chloride. To schedule an appointment, contact Bailey & Galyen at (817) 345-0580.
Glenmark’s Potassium Chloride Recall: What You Need to Know
In response to the serious health risks associated with its potassium chloride extended-release capsules, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalled 114 batches of the drug on June 26, 2024.
American Health Packaging recalled an additional 21 batches of the same drug, also made by Glenmark, on behalf of BluePoint Laboratories, the brand name under which those batches were sold.
The recalls came after Glenmark discovered that the capsules may not dissolve as intended, instead flooding the bloodstream with dangerously high levels of potassium.
The potassium chloride recall is a critical step to prevent the drugs from harming more people, but for some of those already affected, the damage may have been done.
Why do People Take Potassium Chloride?
Doctors prescribe potassium chloride to individuals experiencing symptoms of low potassium, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, or constipation. The drug works as an electrolyte replenisher, helping to restore the blood’s balance of potassium, which is essential for proper muscle and nerve function. Potassium chloride powders and supplements are also available as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
However, the prescription extended-release form of potassium chloride, which is supposed to release the drug slowly over time, can fail to work as intended, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
The Risks of Too Much Potassium Chloride
The side effects of potassium chloride extended-release capsules can be severe and potentially life-threatening. If the capsules fail to dissolve properly, they can release too much potassium into the bloodstream at once, causing a condition known as hyperkalemia.
Excessive potassium in the body can seriously disrupt the heart’s electrical activity, causing heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats and sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of hyperkalemia include:
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Numbness
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden collapse
In some cases, hyperkalemia can be catastrophic, leading to cardiac arrest and potential death.
Taking Legal Action For Yourself or a Love One
The dangers of extended-release potassium chloride capsules are not hypothetical. As we have seen, these defective capsules have been responsible for at least two deaths. This is a grave situation that demands accountability.
If you’ve been harmed or lost a loved one due to complications from extended-release potassium chloride, taking legal action is not just about seeking compensation—it’s about holding the responsible parties accountable and preventing others from being harmed.
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the fear and uncertainty that come with these kinds of health risks. Our team is committed to guiding you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the justice you deserve.
Legal Options for Potassium Chloride Victims
If you’ve been affected by the potassium chloride recall, you have the right to seek compensation for your suffering. The consequences of taking a defective drug can be devastating, impacting not only your health but also your financial stability, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Bailey & Galyen is here to help you pursue justice.
Our firm has extensive experience handling pharmaceutical injury cases. We understand the intricacies of these claims and are prepared to fight for your rights. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.
Some damages you may be able to claim for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral or burial expenses, if applicable.
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for a Potassium Chloride Lawsuit?
Bailey & Galyen has a proven record of successfully representing clients in complex drug injury cases. We bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of the legal challenges involved in these claims.
We know that facing a serious injury or the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult, and we are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Our commitment to our clients goes beyond just legal representation. We believe in keeping you informed and involved at every step of the process. We will explain your options clearly and work with you to develop the best approach for your case.
Contact a Texas Product Liability Lawyer with Bailey & Galyen
The pain and emotional trauma of your injuries and the grief of losing a loved one cannot be overstated and should never be undervalued. If you are among those injured by the faulty potassium chloride drugs or if you lost a loved one who took the drug, the product liability lawyers at Bailey and Gaylen would like to review your case to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Call (817) 345-0580 or submit your request online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers today. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start fighting to secure every dollar of compensation you deserve.
