Pradaxa

Millions of Americans suffer from an irregular heartbeat. The medical name for this condition is atrial fibrillation (AF). Many patients with AF take anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce the risk of:

• Blood clots
• Heart disease
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stroke

Blood thinners like Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) help reduce the risks of AF.

The FDA approved Pradax in October 2010. The drug's manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute the drug in the United States. The FDA approved the medicine to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in the body and lungs.

Since its approval, Pradaxa has become a popular alternative to the long-used anticoagulant warfarin. Unlike warfarin, Pradaxa doesn't require regular monitoring tests or special dietary restrictions.

Over the years, researchers have published reports questioning the safety of Pradaxa. Many Pradaxa users have complained of health complications. In extreme cases, these complications have reportedly resulted in death. As a result, many patients have filed lawsuits against Boehringer Ingelheim.

Possible Health Complications From Taking Pradaxa

Most drugs carry side effects and potential health risks. Some Pradaxa patients reported serious bleeding-related injuries. Others have complained about the following:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe hemorrhaging
• Strokes
• Heart attacks
• Other serious complications and injuries

These reports prompted government reviews, medical studies evaluating the drug's safety and effectiveness, and thousands of Pradaxa lawsuits. This article describes the possible adverse health consequences of Pradaxa. It also discusses the pharmaceutical company's legal issues since the drug's approval.

Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

After the FDA approved Pradaxa, the drugmaker enjoyed immediate success. Boehringer Ingelheim had global sales of $1 billion in 2011 alone. The primary reason for this success is the drug company's advertisements portraying Pradaxa as a better treatment for AF than traditional Coumadin medication (warfarin).

Coumadin can be inconvenient because patients must attend weekly checkups. They must also comply with strict dietary restrictions. Pradaxa is as effective as Coumadin but doesn't require frequent checkups. Nor does it carry the extensive dietary restrictions due to excessive levels of Vitamin K.

Pradaxa Side Effects

Almost all prescription medications have side effects. Most are minor and unpleasant. Common side effects of the blood thinner Pradaxa include:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Hemorrhage/bleeding events
• Gastritis
• Bruising
• Gastrointestinal ulcer
• Vomiting

Patients allergic to Pradaxa may experience rash, itching, and hives.

Serious Side Effects of Pradaxa

The most common risk of Pradaxa is a bleeding risk. This is true for most anticoagulants. But there are other adverse health risks for patients taking this drug. In 2011, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) found that Pradaxa was one of the most dangerous drugs on the market.

In addition to Pradaxa bleeding events, Pradaxa can also cause heart attacks. According to a 2012 study by the Cleveland Clinic, Pradaxa users have a 33% higher risk of heart attack as compared to warfarin users.

These health risks can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hemorrhaging, uncontrolled bleeding, or heart issues.

In November 2012, the FDA released an official statement declaring that Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) doesn't pose a higher risk of bleeding than its competitor, warfarin. But the FDA also announced that it would closely monitor Pradaxa. The agency also said it would conduct follow-up studies to assess the chances of bleeding complications.

Certain Patients Should Not Take Pradaxa

Before taking Pradaxa, tell your doctor about any medical condition you may have. Depending on your health, you may want to avoid drugs like Pradaxa.

People with a mechanical heart valve should avoid taking Pradaxa. The same is true for patients with the following:

• History of stroke
• Recent surgery
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Bleeding disorders
• History of falls

Your doctor should check for any potential health risks and adverse events. If they don't, they may be liable for medical malpractice.

Pradaxa Lawsuits

Many patients have filed product liability lawsuits against Boehringer Ingelheim for Pradaxa complications. Under product liability law, drug manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. Some plaintiffs have accused Boehringer of failing to adequately warn them about the risk of bleeding with Pradaxa.

Plaintiffs have also filed wrongful death lawsuits against the drugmaker. These lawsuits allow surviving family members to sue the party responsible for their loved one's death.

In a wrongful death suit, plaintiffs can recover the following compensation:

• Medical or funeral expenses
• Loss of the deceased's financial support
• Loss of companionship or emotional support

Thousands of patients have already filed Pradaxa lawsuits. By 2014, there were more than 4,000 lawsuits against Boehringer Ingelheim. Plaintiffs alleged that the drug company failed to warn doctors and patients about the increased risk of bleeding-related injuries.

They also contend that the company defectively designed Pradaxa in a manner that made the drug unsafe for patients. For the first five years the drug was on the market, there was no antidote to stop uncontrollable bleeding.

In 2014, the drug company settled most of these cases. The company also set aside millions of dollars for future patients who may suffer injuries after taking Pradaxa.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Pradaxa

Patients who suffer injuries after taking Pradaxa have legal options. You can sue the drug manufacturer. Usually, your attorney settles these cases with the drugmaker's insurance carrier.

Patients who successfully sue can recover compensation from the manufacturer. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Pain and suffering

The best way to know if you have a legal claim is to talk to a personal injury attorney near you. Most firms offer a free case evaluation to new clients. If your attorney determines your case is worth pursuing, they can file suit.