By KEVIN McGILL
Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A $775 million settlement has been announced in roughly 25,000 lawsuits involving the blood-thinning medication Xarelto.

Cases consolidated in federal court in New Orleans date back to 2014. They involved claims that users of the medication marketed by Bayer Healthcare and Janssen pharmaceuticals were not adequately informed of risks of life-threatening complications.

The companies noted that they prevailed in six cases tried so far, and that they continue to believe the claims are without merit. They said in a news release that the settlement will end the cost and "distraction" of the litigation.

A statement from attorneys for the plaintiffs called the settlement a "fair and just resolution."

U.S. District Judge Eldon Faldon presided over the cases. He issued a series of orders Monday regarding implementation of the settlement.

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