Pradaxa

What is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is an oral anticoagulant developed by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The blood thinner medication is in the class of drugs known as direct thrombin inhibitors. Pradaxa is often used as an alternative to warfarin to prevent strokes associated with atrial fibrillation. Pradaxa was approved for use in the United States in late 2010 by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Pradaxa has been associated with serious and sometimes fatal internal bleeding. Health regulators have been investigating reports of Pradaxa internal bleeding (“bleeding out”) and Pradaxa-related deaths.

Pradaxa Internal Bleeding

Pradaxa is part of a class of drugs known as “direct thrombin inhibitors”. Pradaxa works by inhibiting an enzyme in the blood involved in clotting. Internal Bleeding is the most serious risk when one takes Pradaxa. Pradaxa is excreted through the kidneys, thus impaired kidney function could lead to abnormally high levels of the drug in circulation, leading to excessive Pradaxa internal bleeding. Unlike warfarin, there is no antidote for Pradaxa internal hemorrhaging. (If someone starts bleeding on warfarin, a doctor can administer an emergency dose of Vitamin K to stem the damage; no such remedy exists for Pradaxa.) Once someone starts “bleeding out” from Pradaxa, it is often fatal. Recent studies have shown that over 15% of all Pradaxa users may suffer from internal hemorrhaging as a side effect of the drug. In older patients, the risk of serious Pradaxa hemorrhaging may even be greater with Pradaxa than with warfarin. There have been hundreds of “bleeding out” deaths alleged to have been caused by Pradaxa.

Regulators in many countries are currently investigating the risks alleged to have been caused by Pradaxa. In December 2011, the United States FDA announced it was investigating reports of serious hemorrhaging among Pradaxa users. Two months earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) warned European doctors prescribing Pradaxa to patients older than 75, as well as those with renal impairment, to give their patients annual kidney checks to reduce the risk of serious bleeding incidents. There have been reports of numerous deaths and serious bleeding incidents (including Pradaxa cerebral hemorrhages) among Pradaxa users in other countries as well.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious Pradaxa bleeding incident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries from the manufacturer of Pradaxa. Call the Pradaxa lawyers at Slater Slater Schulman LLP at 800-251-6990 today for a free Pradaxa consultation.

Slater Slater Schulman LLP is investigating Pradaxa harmful side effects, include:

• Brain hemorrhaging
• Internal bleeding
• Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• Kidney bleeding
• Death from “bleeding out”

Symptoms of Pradaxa Bleeding Injuries

Symptoms of Pradaxa excessive bleeding may include:

• Lethargy
• Unusual bruising or bleeding (including nosebleeds and bleeding from gums)
• Red or black tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Vomiting that resembles blood or looks like coffee grounds
• Headaches
• Pink or brown urine
• Weakness and swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• Joint pain or swelling
• Dizziness
• Death

Do I have a Pradaxa Lawsuit?

Slater Slater Schulman LLP is reviewing potential Pradaxa lawsuits for users throughout the United States who have suffered serious and potentially fatal bleeding injuries as a result of Pradaxa. These injuries may include internal, gastrointestinal or cerebral bleeding.

If you or someone you love has taken Pradaxa and has suffered from one of these serious injuries, you should contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling us at (800) 251-6990.

Medical disclaimer: Please note that any change in medications should be made only after consulting with your doctor about the risks and benefits of doing so and should not be based on any information contained in this web site.