Xigris

Xigirs is made up of the protein drotrecogin alfa, which occurs naturally in the body. It was prescribed to treat sepsis in patients who suffered from multi-organ failure. Xigris was withdrawn from the US market in 2011. This drug was manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., and was approved by the FDA in 2001.

Studies have shown that Xigris may not be any more effective than a placebo, while carrying severe side effects. Xigris has been linked to an often-fatal blood infection that can cause episodes of severe bleeding.

One study looked at 73 patients who were treated with Xigris. Researchers found that seven of 20 patients with a bleeding risk factor suffered from serious bleeding events, while two of 53 patients that did not suffer from a bleeding risk factor experienced a severe event.

Serious side effects may include:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• Black stools
• Bloody diarrhea
• Confusion
• One-sided weakness
• Pink-colored/red urine
• Slurred speech
• Stomach pain
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Vision Problems
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds