NASCAR announced today that it is teaming up with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to help make a difference for racing fans who are at risk for or are living with blood clots. Janssen, the maker of XARELTO® (rivaroxaban), an important medicine used to treat and help prevent blood clots, is now the Official Cardiovascular Partner of NASCAR.
“We are encouraged to see Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ level of dedication to helping fans affected by blood clots,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer. “We welcome them to the NASCAR family, not only as an Official Partner but also as a race entitlement and team sponsor.”
Blood clots have hit close to home for the NASCAR community. Brian Vickers, full-time driver of the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, recently overcame his second episode with the condition. Having completed his treatment with XARELTO® and being cleared by his physician, Brian is now competing again in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is currently 18th in points, with a top-10 finish at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16.
“I’m so grateful for all of the fans who have reached out to me to show their support,” said Vickers. “When I had my first deep vein thrombosis in 2010, I did everything I could to treat it and get back to racing. It worked, but the drug I was prescribed required me to have my blood drawn a lot and avoid certain foods. The second blow came when I developed another clot last year. While it was hard to be away from the track until I completed my treatment, I was relieved that this time around my doctor prescribed me XARELTO®, which didn’t require me to have my blood checked regularly or change my diet.”
Brian Vickers will be competing at the Auto Club Speedway in a custom TREATMYCLOT.COM Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry co-sponsored by Janssen on March 23, 2014. Additionally, TREATMYCLOT.COM will serve as title sponsor of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway. The TREATMYCLOT.COM 300 is scheduled to air on ESPN on Saturday, March 22 at 5 p.m. ET.
900,000 Americans experience blood clots every year2 that result in nearly 300,000 deaths. According to The National Blood Clot Alliance, many factors can increase a person’s risk for developing blood clots, including age; being overweight; having other chronic diseases; immobility; hormones and pregnancy; long air travel; surgery; trauma or injury.1
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