Oxbryta and Sickle Cell: When a Treatment Causes Vaso-Occlusive Crises
For the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) community, Oxbryta (Voxelotor) was marketed as a breakthrough. Approved by the FDA in 2019, it promised to treat the root cause of the disease—preventing red blood cells from sickling—rather than just managing the pain.
However, in September 2024, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew Oxbryta from the global market.
The reason? Clinical data revealed a devastating paradox: the drug designed to prevent complications was allegedly causing higher rates of Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs) and even death compared to a placebo.
If you or your child took Oxbryta—including the pediatric-friendly dispersible tablets—and experienced more frequent hospitalizations, it may not have been a natural progression of Sickle Cell Disease. The drug marketed to protect your child may have actually been the cause of their complications
The “Paradox”: Why Is Oxbryta Being Sued?
The central allegation in these lawsuits is a “failure to warn.”
Oxbryta works by binding to hemoglobin to keep red blood cells oxygenated and round. However, studies eventually showed that while it might improve hemoglobin levels on paper, it did not necessarily improve patient health in practice. Instead, patients in post-marketing trials experienced:
- A higher frequency of severe pain crises (VOCs).
- Unexpected organ failure.
- An increased risk of stroke.
For a community that already battles a life-threatening condition, the introduction of a drug that worsens that condition is a serious product liability issue.
Do You Qualify for an Oxbryta Lawsuit?
At Nigh Goldenberg, we are currently reviewing cases for individuals who were prescribed Oxbryta and suffered specific, severe setbacks.
Based on current litigation criteria, you may have a claim if you meet the following:
1. Prescription History
- You (or your child) were prescribed Oxbryta (Voxelotor) for Sickle Cell Disease.
- Note: Proof of prescription will be required, but our team can help obtain pharmacy records.
2. The Injury: “Significant Complications”
We are looking for cases where the patient experienced severe adverse events after starting the drug. The primary qualifying injuries include:
- Hospitalization for Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs): If you experienced a significant spike in pain crises requiring emergency care or hospital admission while on the drug.
- Stroke: A blockage of blood flow to the brain.
- Organ Damage: A medical diagnosis of Liver, Kidney, or Lung damage that occurred after starting the medication.
- Death: If a loved one passed away due to complications while taking Oxbryta.
3. Timeline
The complications must have occurred after starting the drug. If you had a history of VOCs, we look for evidence that the frequency or severity increased after taking Oxbryta.
“I Thought It Was Just My Sickle Cell…”
This is the most common reaction we hear. Because VOCs and organ damage are inherent risks of Sickle Cell Disease, many patients assumed their disease was simply getting worse naturally.
However, the data leading to the drug’s withdrawal suggests a causal link between the medication and these outcomes. You do not need to be 100% sure that the drug caused your injury to call us. Our legal team works with medical experts to review your records and determine if the timing aligns with a defective drug claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drug was “voluntarily withdrawn.” Does that mean I can’t sue?
No. A “voluntary” withdrawal does not absolve a pharmaceutical company of liability for damages caused while the drug was on the market. If the company knew—or should have known—about the risks earlier and failed to warn doctors, they can still be held accountable.
What if I have already stopped taking it?
You are still eligible. If you took Oxbryta in the past and suffered a stroke, severe VOCs requiring hospitalization, or organ damage during that period (or shortly after), you still have a potential claim.
Is this a Class Action?
These cases are generally filed as individual personal injury lawsuits (often consolidated into a Mass Tort), not a single “class action” where everyone splits a small check. This means your specific injuries, medical bills, and pain are evaluated individually to maximize your potential compensation.
Steps to Take Now
- Stop Taking Oxbryta: If you haven’t already, consult your hematologist immediately about alternative treatments, as the drug is no longer available.
- Gather Records: Do you have discharge papers from hospitalizations that happened while you were on the drug? Keep them safe.
- Contact Nigh Goldenberg: The window to file a claim is limited by state laws.
