Helping  Patients and Families Impacted by Blood Thinner-Related Excessive Internal Bleeding

Since it was approved for the U.S. market in 2010, Pradaxa (dabigatran) has been widely prescribed to prevent blood clots among patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, or “AFib.” Widespread problems have accompanied the drug’s widespread use.

Like all anticoagulant drugs, or blood thinners, Pradaxa can cause patients to suffer excessive and potentially life-threatening bleeding episodes – specifically in the brain, stomach and intestines.

However, prior to October 2015, no antidote was available to control these serious bleeding events. As a result, countless patients may have been exposed to the risk of serious injury or death form excessive internal bleeding.

In May 2014, Pradaxa’s manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, reached a $650 million settlement with more than 4,000 patients (or surviving family members of patients who died). However, litigation continues across the country. We were able to get significant compensation for a large number of the clients that we represented at this time.

If you believe that you were harmed by a Pradaxa-related bleeding episode or lost a loved one due to Pradaxa use, attorney John J. Driscoll and our legal team at The Driscoll Firm, LLC, would like to help you.

We have an extensive background in handling serious drug injury cases and cases involving complex civil litigation.

Our firm has been appointed to serve as class counsel, state liaison counsel or as a member of the plaintiffs’ executive or steering committee in numerous nationally litigated cases, reflecting the depth of our experience and record of results. We can put that experience to work for you.

To discuss your case, simply call or reach us online. We work with clients across the country. We can provide a free consultation today.

Does the Prior Pradaxa Settlement Impact You?

In August 2012, the many Pradaxa injury and death lawsuits filed against the drug’s German manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (MDL No. 2385).

The lawsuits arose from severe and fatal bleeding episodes which patients suffered after using the blood-thinning medication. They accused the manufacturer of failing to issue adequate warnings about the risks associated with Pradaxa use, including the lack of an antidote.

However, before any trial was held, the company opted to settle the roughly 4,000 claims for an estimated $650 million. The company continued to deny liability and insisted the settlement was “to avoid the distraction and uncertainty of a lengthy litigation process,” according to Reuters.

You still have a right to pursue compensation for the harm that you or your loved one may have suffered after taking Pradaxa.

As many news outlets have reported, a “second wave of litigation” is now underway, with claims primarily being filed in state courts.

If you believe that you have a Pradaxa legal claim, you should get in touch with The Driscoll Firm as soon as possible in order to discuss your case.

How Should Pradaxa Help You?

For many years, patients at risk of blood clots due to atrial fibrillation – especially older patients – were prescribed the anticoagulant, warfarin (Coumadin).

As the American Stroke Association describes, warfarin competes with vitamin K in the body, which in turn prevents the production of proteins contribute to the formation of blood clots.

However, warfarin users must strictly regulate their diet, especially avoiding foods with high levels of vitamin K. Additionally, they must undergo regular blood testing in order to monitor whether they are receiving the proper drug dosage.

In 2010, Pradaxa became the first in a new line of oral anticoagulant medications to gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs include Eliquis (apixaban) and Savaysa (edoxaban).

In addition to being prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, these drugs are prescribed to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot in the legs) and pulmonary embolism (PE, a clot in the lungs).

The manufacturers have touted that, unlike those who take warfarin, users of these new anticoagulants do not need to stick to a strict diet or undergo routine blood monitoring.

According to Reuters, Pradaxa has been a “blockbuster,” with annual sales of $1.63 billion as recently as 2013.

How Could Pradaxa Harm You?

Unfortunately, like all blood thinning medications, Pradaxa’s anti-clotting ingredients can expose users to the risk of excessive bleeding episodes, including bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and within the brain.

If a bleeding episode is uncontrolled, it can lead to a medical emergency, including cerebral hemorrhaging, stroke or death.

When excessive bleeding occurs in association with warfarin use, a patient can be given a vitamin K injection in order to bring the bleeding under control.

The problem with Pradaxa is that, for many years, no antidote was available to reverse the drug’s blood-thinning effects and to stop bleeding events.

The FDA did not approve an antidote for Pradaxa until October 2015 – Praxbind (idarucizumab) – a drug which Boehringer Ingelheim also manufactures.

The reality is that this antidote may have arrived too late for thousands of patients and families who are now dealing with the consequences of a Pradaxa-related internal bleeding episode.

Harmed by Pradaxa? What Are Your Legal Options?

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered excessive internal bleeding after taking Pradaxa, you should discuss the matter with a physician before stopping use of the medication. The physician can discuss potentially safer alternatives.

You should also get in contact with The Driscoll Firm as soon as you are ready to take legal action. We are currently investigating cases which allege that Pradaxa’s defective design has led to severe and fatal bleeding episodes.

We can investigate your case, including reviewing your medical records and other evidence. We can also consult with experts who can help us to determine the nature and extent of the harm you have suffered.

Our goal will be to seek maximum compensation for you, including a full and fair recovery of your medical expenses and all other losses you have sustained.

We believe that our experience in handling complex drug injury cases can make a meaningful difference for you and your family moving forward.

Our Lawyers Are Reviewing Pradaxa Cases

The Driscoll Firm has national experience in investigating and prosecuting claims of clients injured by the dangerous side effects of blood thinners such as Pradaxa. We solely represent plaintiffs and focus on complex product liability cases.

To discuss your case, call or reach us online today. Our consultations are always free.