FDA Announces Pradaxa Update
To date, more than 100 lawsuits have been filed in regard to the adverse effects after use of the drug Pradaxa, however, the FDA recently made the announcement that Pradaxa users did not find an increased risk of bleeding when compared to the use of warfarin. This announcement, however, has been met with much criticism, as the FDA failed to state that the comparable drug, warfarin, came with a reversal agent to handle a situation where a bleeding emergency takes place.
Pradaxa, on the other hand, does not include an antidote which would be essential for anticlotting and preventing severe and possibly fatal bleeds. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious bleed following the use of Pradaxa, Phillips Law Group is offering a Free Case Review to discuss your potential legal options.
Defective Drug Lawyers Protecting the Victims of Pradaxa Internal Bleeding
Pradaxa was first approved for use in the United States in October 2010 to prevent strokes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a health condition common in elderly patients. It causes the heart to beat irregularly, thus increasing an individual’s chance of getting blood clots and suffering from a stroke. Pradaxa belongs to a class of medications called direct thrombin inhibitors, which work by blocking a clotting enzyme in the patient’s bloodstream. In some cases, the inhibition of the enzyme may work to the detriment of the patient. If a patient who has been taking Pradaxa suffers from a serious bleeding event, their blood can fail to clot. This can result in gastro-intestinal bleeds, causing the hospitalization of the patient and sometimes leading to the patient bleeding to death.
Pradaxa Internal Bleeding
Similar to other blood-thinning drugs, Pradaxa’s benefit of reducing the chance of a debilitating or fatal stroke comes with the risk of internal bleeding. If you or a loved one has been using Pradaxa and has experienced any of the following symptoms, it is important that you contact your physician immediately:
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Pink or brown urine
- Coughing up blood
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Swelling and weakness of the hands, arms, lower legs, ankles and feet
- Red or black tarry stools
- Joint swelling and pain
- Vomiting that either looks like blood or resembles coffee grounds
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
Pradaxa Wrongful Death Claims
Since its approval in 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim, the German pharmaceutical company that manufactures Pradaxa, has reported about 260 deaths related to the drug. In December 2011, the FDA announced that they were reviewing reports of serious internal bleeding in elderly patients who were prescribed the popular anti-coagulant. If you or a loved one has suffered from using Pradaxa, do not wait to contact the Pradaxa gastro-intestinal bleed lawyers at Phillips Law Group for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Agencies in other countries are also concerned with Pradaxa internal bleeding deaths. European regulators have recommended that patients who may begin a Pradaxa regimen should first have their kidneys checked by a physician. An elderly patient with weak kidneys runs a higher risk of suffering from internal bleeding. Additionally, regulators in Japan have required Boehringer Ingelheim to issue a strong warning to physicians regarding the possibility of deadly bleeding caused by Pradaxa use.
Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Lawsuits
Recovering damages related to a dangerous drug is difficult. If you have suffered from internal bleeding that was caused by using Pradaxa, the last thing that you want to worry about while you’re recuperating is your financial stability. Let us help you with your claim. Contact our Pradaxa internal bleeding lawyers today. A member of our team will assess your claim and guide you on how to proceed in your pursuit for justice.
At Phillips Law Group, we believe that when a pharmaceutical company puts patients at risk with their products, they should be held accountable. If you or someone you love has suffered from internal bleeding after taking Pradaxa, contact our dangerous drug attorneys as soon as possible. You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. If your loved one has passed away due to the negative side effects of Pradaxa, the deceased’s dependants may be able to collect wrongful death damages.
For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Pradaxa injury victims and their families, or to schedule a no obligation consultation with a lawyer, complete the free case evaluation form on this page to begin exploring your legal options.
