N@N

SAN FRANCISCO--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--The law firm of [ Girard Gibbs LLP ] today announced that it is investigating Fresenius Medical Care and a link between its product [ GranuFlo and cardiac arrest ] and death. The GranuFlo investigation was prompted by the FDAas announcement of a Class I Recall of GranuFlo due to an increased risk of cardiac arrest and death during or shortly after dialysis treatment.

"As a result, many dialysis patients may have suffered needlessly, including many of the people weare speaking with about the serious injuries they or their loved ones experienced after taking GranuFlo or Naturalyte."

GranuFlo is used to provide bicarbonate concentrate in carefully controlled doses during dialysis to neutralize metabolic acid. An excess of bicarbonate in the blood, however, is associated with an increased risk of low blood pressure, hypokalemia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and cardiac arrhythmia, possibly culminating in cardiopulmonary arrest and death. Fresenius Medical Care, the manufacturer, may have failed to inform clinicians that GranuFlo contains acetate or sodium diacetate, both of which are quickly converted to bicarbonate by the liver and must be accounted for in dosage determinations.

Fresenius is now warning clinicians of the acetate or sodium diacetate content in GranuFlo and providing new prescribing information.

aPublished reports and articles indicate that Fresenius Medical Care failed to timely report the increased risks associated with the use of Naturalyte and GranuFlo Acid Concentrate,a said Eric Gibbs. aAs a result, many dialysis patients may have suffered needlessly, including many of the people weare speaking with about the serious injuries they or their loved ones experienced after taking GranuFlo or Naturalyte.a

Girard Gibbs is investigating individual claims on behalf of patients who were treated with GranuFlo during dialysis. If you believe GranuFlo caused or contributed to the development of heart problems in you or a loved one, including a sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest, hemodialysis cardiac arrest or cardiopulmonary arrest, stroke, or arrhythmia and would like to learn more about this investigation and the potential [ GranuFlo lawsuit ], or have questions concerning your legal rights, contact Girard Gibbsa [ GranuFlo lawyers ] at (866) 981-4800 or visit our website: [ www.GirardGibbs.com ].

Girard Gibbs LLP is one of the nationas leading firms representing investors, employees, consumers and small businesses in cases involving consumer protection, personal injury, securities, antitrust, and employment laws. The firmas senior partners, Daniel Girard and Eric Gibbs, have been selected for inclusion inThe Best Lawyers in America 2012andNorthern California Super Lawyers, and have earned AV-Preeminent ratings fromMartindale-Hubbell, recognizing them in the highest class of attorneys for professional ethics and legal skills.