Blood thinner safety has become a prominent concern in the general public and medical community. Patients are reporting uncontrollable internal bleeding incidents while using Pradaxa and other new generation anticoagulants.

The issue of uncontrollable hemorrhage associated with these new anticoagulants has pushed blood thinner safety to the forefront of the public’s mind and has left many people wary of these powerful medications. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA in 2010 and was the first medication to be approved for blood thinner purposes since warfarin’s release in the 1950s.

Pradaxa is FDA approved to treat patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, and for patients who are at high risk for stroke. Pradaxa and other anticoagulants reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots by inhibiting the body’s natural clotting mechanism. Unfortunately, this also prevents the body from being able to recover from internal bleeding incidents.

Manufactured and sold by Boehringer Ingelheim, Pradaxa’s release was a gateway for other new generation anticoagulants such as Xarelto and Eliquis. Each of these new generation anticoagulants were marketed for their convenience, with single daily dosing schedules.

The new generation blood thinners are often compared to warfarin.  Patients taking warfarin have to undergo frequent dose adjustments and follow a strict dietary regimen.  Despite this additional monitoring, warfarin has a considerably reasonable safety profile if taken with proper medical supervision. Additionally, warfarin patients who suffer from unexpected internal hemorrhage can be given a dose of vitamin K to reverse the anticoagulant effects of the medication.

For many years Pradaxa did not have an FDA approved reversal agent. Eventually, in 2015 the FDA approved a reversal agent known as Praxbind, but many consumers complain this bleeding antidote came too late.

Overview of Pradaxa Bleeding Complications

In December 2011, the FDA issued a public warning regarding Pradaxa internal bleeding events and blood thinner safety concerns. According to the FDA, Pradaxa was linked to 307 adverse event reports after just three months on the market.

In its first year on the market, over 260 deaths were reported in conjunction with Pradaxa internal bleeding. Pradaxa patients should be vigilant for internal bleeding symptoms including:

• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Swelling
• Chest Pain
• Bloody Stool
• Bloody Urine
• Blood in Vagina
• Changes in Skin Color (occurs several days after injury starts)

Patients who start experiencing any of these internal bleeding symptoms should get emergency treatment as soon as possible and talk to their doctors about the incident to relieve any blood thinner safety concerns. In addition, patients are advised to take daily safety precautions to help lower the chances of Pradaxa bleeding incidents.  These safety precautions include:

• Do not double dose when a dose is missed
• Avoid strenuous movements like exercise
• Wear gloves when handling sharp objects
• Wear shoes whenever possible
• Use soft toothbrush and wax dental floss
• Do not take other medications, vitamins or supplements before discussing with physician

Patients who experience unexpected Pradaxa internal bleeding may be able to file legal action against Boehringer Ingelheim. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer, to determine eligibility for a Pradaxa lawsuit.  A legal professional can help potential claimants way the facts and circumstances of their individual case.  Successful plaintiffs may receive monetary compensation for their past suffering and medical bills.