In a massive consolidated litigation in Connecticut state court, more than 2,000 patients who suffered internal bleeding complications have filed a Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit. The first Pradaxa bellwether trials in this round of litigation recently concluded in March and May 2018, which reportedly ended in favor of drug manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim.

The first of these trials comes from the loved ones of Mary B., who filed a Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit soon after her death on March 24, 2014. According to the Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit, she died of uncontrollable gastrointestinal bleeding. Her representatives allege the anticoagulant directly contributed to her death.

During the trial, Boehringer Ingelheim had argued that the drug’s warning label were sufficient and maintained that the woman’s doctor understood the potential risks of the drug. The jury ended up siding with Boehringer Ingelehim on March 23, 2018, with the second bellwether trial reportedly ending similarly.

While the outcomes of these bellwether trials do not affect the results of other cases, verdicts from these cases often suggest how other claims may be treated. The next two bellwether trials are set for September 2018 and February 2019, and will also be important indicators in how the Pradaxa litigation may continue.

Even though the recent bellwether trials ended in favor of the manufacturing company, it is important to note that every Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit is different and has its own chances of success or failure.

In addition, patients who suffered internal bleeding complications have the right to file a Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit for negligence and failure to warn.

Overview of Pradaxa Bleeding Complications

Pradaxa, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, was the first medication to be approved for anticoagulant treatment purposes since warfarin in the 1950s. Pradaxa is typically prescribed to patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, who are at high risk for stroke.

However, it was not long after the drug was released that Pradaxa became widely associated with uncontrollable internal bleeding events. The FDA warned patients that Pradaxa could cause uncontrollable internal bleeding injuries in December 2011, after receiving numerous injury reports from patients.

According to the FDA, the agency had received 307 Pradaxa injury reports describing internal bleeding events in three first three months the drug was on the market. During its first year, approximately 260 patients reportedly died from Pradaxa internal bleeding complications.

While there is now a reversal agent available in case of Pradaxa internal bleeding incidents, the risk of uncontrollable internal bleeding is still present for Pradaxa patients. These patients should be wary of the following symptoms:

• Unusual Bruising or Bleeding
• Pink or Brown Urine
• Red or Black Tarry Stools
• Coughing up Blood
• Headaches, Dizziness, or Fatigue
• Bleeding Gums
• Frequent Nose Bleeds
• Weakness and Swelling in Arms and Legs

Even though Pradaxa internal bleeding complications can be potentially fatal, plaintiffs claim Boehringer Ingelheim allegedly failed to warn the general public.

Patients looking to file a Pradaxa blood thinner lawsuit can contact an experienced pharmaceutical products liability lawyer in order to seek damages for any drug complications they may have suffered.