Miami Pradaxa Lawsuit Lawyer
Blood Thinner Pradaxa May Cause Serious Internal Bleeding
Warfarin (Coumadin) has been used for more than 50 years as an anti-clotting medication to prevent stroke, venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) and it used after a heart attack. But there are drawbacks to warfarin, including:
- The need for follow-up blood testing to ensure proper dosing
- Negative interactions with other drugs
- Dietary restrictions for those taking it
Enter Pradaxa. Manufactured by German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim, Pradaxa (dabigatran) was supposed to be safer and easier to use than warfarin. Monthly blood tests would no longer be necessary, nor would a restricted diet. Interactions with other drugs would be minimal. But within only three months of Pradaxa being prescribed in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received over 300 reports of adverse effects related to the dangerous drug, including serious injury and death.
The FDA is in the process of conducting a safety review on the continued use of Pradaxa in the United States. If you or a loved one has suffered dabigatran side effects including internal bleeding and/or uncontrollable bleeding or because of use of warfarin or another blood-thinner, contact the Miami Pradaxa injury lawyers at Freidin Brown, P.A. today.
What Is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate or dabigatran) is a direct thrombin inhibitor that is used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots from forming. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA to prevent stroke and the formation of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart).
What Problems Have Been Reported from Pradaxa Use?
- Bleeding from the gums
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Brown or pink urine
- Tar-like stool
- Heavy periods in women
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Bruises that appear to get bigger rather than smaller
In some cases, uncontrolled bleeding related to Pradaxa use has resulted in serious injury or death. Any blood thinner or anticoagulant has the potential to cause internal bleeding. The problem with Pradaxa is that the bleeding, once started, may not be controllable. Pradaxa has no off switch. Doctors cannot administer another medication that will counteract the blood thinning, anti-clotting effects of Pradaxa. Currently, kidney dialysis is the only option to remove Pradaxa from the blood stream. In an emergency situation, dialysis can simply take too long, leaving a patient at risk for bleeding out.
Adults over 75, those who have existing kidney or renal problems, those who have a stomach ulcer or already experience intestinal bleeding and those already taking another blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or NSAIDs may be at an increased risk for bleeding while taking Pradaxa.
What Should I Do if I Am Currently Taking Pradaxa?
Do not simply stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor about the risks and benefits of Pradaxa. Stopping Pradaxa may increase your risk for stroke or for developing blood clots. A Florida defective drug lawyer can discuss with you whether a Pradaxa lawsuit is appropriate in your case to recover compensation for any Pradaxa-related injuries. If you or a family member have been taking Pradaxa and have suffered injury or death because of uncontrollable bleeding, contact us.
