About Pradaxa
Pradaxa is the brand name for the drug dabigatran etexilate mesylate. It is a blood thinner – or anticoagulant – that works as a direct thrombin inhibitor. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA in 2010 to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots (systemic embolism) in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The FDA is in the process of evaluating reports of serious bleeding events in patients taking Pradaxa, which in some cases have been fatal.
If you or someone you know has taken Pradaxa and experienced severe internal bleeding or bruising, cerebral hemorrhage, gastro-intestinal bleeding, stomach or intestinal bleeding, or other adverse effects, contact The Driscoll Firm, LLC, at 314-932-3232 to speak to an experienced Pradaxa injury attorney about your case. You might have a legal right to compensation.
Pradaxa Patients Warned of Bleeding Risks
Pradaxa is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is available as 75-mg and 150-mg oral capsules. From approval in October 2010 through August 2011, approximately 1.1 million Pradaxa prescriptions were dispensed and approximately 371,000 patients filled a prescription for Pradaxa from U.S. outpatient retail pharmacies.
On December 7, 2011, the FDA issued the following recommendations for Pradaxa patients:
- Pradaxa is an anticoagulant medicine that reduces the risk of blood clots forming in your body and causing a stroke. Having a stroke can cause permanent disability and death.
- Do not stop taking Pradaxa without talking to your healthcare professional. Stopping use of your blood thinner suddenly can put you at risk of a stroke.
- Be aware that while taking Pradaxa you may bruise more easily and it may take longer for any bleeding to stop.
- Call your healthcare professional and seek immediate care if you develop any signs or symptoms of bleeding such as:
- unusual bleeding from the gums
- nose bleeding that happens often
- menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
- bleeding that is severe or that you cannot control
- pink or brown urine
- red or black stools (looks like tar)
- bruises that happen without a known cause or that get larger
- coughing up blood or blood clots
- vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- Discuss any questions or concerns about Pradaxa with your healthcare professional.
- Report any side effects you experience to your healthcare professional and the FDA MedWatch program.
Contact a Pradaxa Litigation Lawyer Today
It is important to act promptly if you believe you have suffered injury as a result of Pradaxa use. Call 314-932-3232 today to speak with an experienced injury lawyer at The Driscoll Firm, LLC, about the facts of your case and the possibility of financial compensation. The Driscoll Firm, LLC, has national experience investigating and prosecuting claims of clients injured by side effects of drugs such as Pradaxa.
John J. Driscoll solely represents plaintiffs and focuses his practice on complex product liability cases, consumer class actions, products liability, and personal-injury litigation, mostly involving pharmaceuticals.
For more information:
