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Oxbryta® Lawsuit

Patients taking Oxbryta to treat sickle cell disease have experienced severe side effects, such as vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and stroke, prompting them to file lawsuits.

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A depiction of red blood cells. Some of the cells are shaped like round disks and others are sickle cells and shaped like half-moons

Case Overview

Oxbryta® is a medication that was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sickle cell disease (SCD). However, Oxbryta was recalled in 2024 due to an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and death. Individuals who experienced serious adverse side effects may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

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Key takeaways about Oxbryta lawsuits

  • Oxbryta received FDA approval in 2019 to treat sickle cell disease. It was recalled in 2024 due to an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises and death.
  • Victims who have experienced severe side effects from Oxbryta may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
  • Oxbryta lawsuits allege product liability design defect and failure to warn, negligence and misleading marketing.

What is Oxbryta?

Oxbryta (voxelotor) is a prescription medication that treats sickle cell disease (SCD) by helping hemoglobin carry oxygen in the blood. SCD is an inherited disorder that affects hemoglobin. This protein in red blood cells carries oxygen throughout the body. People with SCD have malformed red blood cells, making it harder for blood to move through the body and reducing oxygen delivery.

In 2019, Oxbryta was granted accelerated approval by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for adults and children 12 and older. However, it is no longer FDA-approved. Pfizer, which also manufactures Depo-Provera, became the manufacturer of Oxbryta in 2022 after it acquired the drug’s original developer, Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT).

Pfizer Oxbryta recall

After Oxbryta’s release, studies revealed significantly increased risks of serious injury. Clinical trials and registry studies involving people taking Oxbryta reported a higher-than-expected incidence of death and an unexpected increase in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOCs).

VOCs are a dangerous, painful complication of SCD. They occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow to tissues. This can result in severe pain and lead to potential organ damage. Oxbryta patients experienced VOCs more frequently compared to patients not using the drug. They had a greater risk of experiencing long-term health issues such as organ damage and failure, stroke and death.

In 2024, less than five years after its approval for sale in the U.S. Pfizer announced Oxbryta was being recalled due to an increased risk of VOCs and death.

Contact an Oxbryta lawsuit attorney

If you or someone you love with sickle cell disease experienced complications related to using Oxbryta, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

You can also reach our team by calling 1.800.768.4026.

What to do if you were harmed by Oxbryta

If you believe you suffered an injury because of the prescription drug Oxbryta, it’s important first and foremost to seek medical attention. Meet with your doctor to understand what caused this injury and how to properly treat or manage it. During this process, be sure to preserve all documentation of your medical visits. This can be beneficial if you decide to pursue legal action. Documentation includes drug prescriptions, all doctor communications and medical bills.

If you feel confident that your injury is linked to Oxbryta, speaking with a qualified attorney can help you better understand your eligibility. An attorney can help build your case and file the claim.

Eligibility for Oxbryta sickle cell lawsuits

Oxbryta lawsuits against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics allege negligence, product liability design defect, failure to warn and misleading marketing practices. You may be eligible to file an Oxbryta sickle cell lawsuit if:

  • You took Oxbryta for sickle cell disease and experienced adverse side effects
  • Your medical records show your medication usage and the side effects you experienced
  • You’re within the statute of limitations for filing an Oxbryta lawsuit

If you think you have a legal claim regarding personal injury or wrongful death, consult with an attorney who has medical drug litigation experience. Not only can they guide you through the legal process but they can also help you file the claim and investigate if you’re within the statute of limitations.

Oxbryta settlement updates

Oxbryta litigation is still ongoing and there is no formal Oxbryta settlement yet. As more injured individuals or their families continue to file claims, settlement discussions may start to become a priority. Potential compensation and settlement amounts will vary depending on a variety of factors. These include the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence connecting Oxbryta to the alleged harm and the way the claim is litigated in court.

It’s important to note that any projected settlement amounts for Oxbryta lawsuits are not confirmed. Every injury claim is different, and any potential settlement amount will always depend on the unique facts of that case.

Our medical drug litigation experience

Our medical attorneys have extensive experience with prescription and over-the-counter drug cases. We understand the complex legal and scientific aspects of medical litigation. Our team works to uncover product development and aggressive marketing practices that may have caused you or a loved one harm.

Our attorneys have represented victims of medications, including:

Learn more about our medical drug litigation experience here.


Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Depo-Provera and Dupixent remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What is Oxbryta?

What to do if you were harmed by Oxbryta

Eligibility for Oxbryta sickle cell lawsuits

Oxbryta settlement updates

Our medical drug litigation experience

About the Author

Sources
  1. Cleveland Clinic. Voxelotor Tablets.
  2. Pfizer. Pfizer to Acquire Global Blood Therapeutics for $5.4 Billion to Enhance Presence in Rare Hematology.
  3. Pfizer. Pfizer Voluntarily Withdraws All Lots of Sickle Cell Disease Treatment OXBRYTA® (voxelotor) From Worldwide Markets.
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